By Julius Alabi, Akure
The lingering crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state has taken another dimension as a Chieftain of the party, Dr. Tunji Abayomi has dumped the party for Action Alliance.
Abayomi in a letter written to Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, informed him of his intention to run for the Ondo North Senatorial seat on the platform of Action Alliance (AA) in the coming 2019 general elections.
The Human Right Activist and Constitutional Lawyer however promised to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) if he eventually wins.
According to him, “in a democracy, eligible members of our party are expected to vote or agree through consensus who the candidate over them should be in any election. It is NEVER the leaders who at any rate are expected to be chosen by the people that imposecandidates in democracy.
“This is why the constitution of APC defines candidates as ‘Any person who has been nominated at a primary or party election to contest at a General Election,’” he disclosed.
He went on: “Nomination for elections is always the prerogative of the electors or the people. It is NEVER that of the leaders.
“The APC Constitution in section 20 provides two (2) types of Primary elections for the Nomination of candidates for the Senate that is Through direct or indirect Primary election to be conducted at the appropriate level.”
“I regret to inform you that the present leadership of APC at the National level has decided to take away your right to nominate candidates as well as my right to be nominated by its unlawful ‘Automatic ticket’ for all present Senators from Ondo State.
“The National Leadership has appointed its candidate but NOW our people in the North Senatorial Zone must have a chance to choose their candidate against Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s appointed Candidates. We are Ondo State people, our character is to fight for our rights and insist on these rights.
“You may wish to note that on the 3rd and 4th of October, after following all Party processes including all payments, and expenses at various Party levels, I wrote to the National Chairman of APC and APC NEC as the Constitution of APC requires to allow fair play but got no reply.
“In keeping with long standing determination to fight for my right and your right, I will run for Senate in Ondo North Senatorial Zone on the platform of Action Alliance since the National Leadership of APC under Adams Oshiomhole has unconstitutionally blocked my chance by forcing its candidates on us all.
“My decision to detour this time has been difficult. Since 2003 I have been with you. In spite of the many challenges we faced together I have not retreated. I have not equivocated. I have not moved an inch because there was always a chance at redemption. Today, the chance is unconstitutionally totally blocked. In my interest and in your interest, I must keep the chance open. After the next Senatorial election which I hope to win, I will return to you,”‘ he said.
