By Olanrewaju Agiri
The Oduduwa Support Groups Organisation has called on members of the ruling party to uphold unity, fairness, and sportsmanship as the party begins its nationwide primary elections.
The group described the House of Representatives primaries as a litmus test for the party’s internal democracy and the beginning of a series of electoral exercises expected to culminate in the presidential primary scheduled for May 23.
In a statement issued ahead of the primaries by the organisation’s public relations arm, the Director-General of the group, Otunba Olusola Orelaja, described the exercise as a defining moment for the party. He noted that the APC, founded on the principles of progressive politics, consensus-building, and sacrifice, is preparing for its fourth electoral cycle since inception.
Orelaja urged eligible voters and delegates, particularly in the South-West geopolitical zone, to support candidates with the capacity, credibility, competence, and commitment to serve the people diligently.
The organisation also appealed to all participants to cooperate fully with electoral officials and security agencies at polling and collation centres to ensure a smooth, free, fair, and transparent process.
According to the statement, violence, intimidation, vote-buying, and all forms of electoral malpractice should be avoided, stressing that peaceful elections remain the foundation of democracy and national development.
“Oduduwa Support Groups Organisation wishes all aspirants and stakeholders a successful and peaceful electoral process and prays for wisdom, unity, and progress across communities and the nation at large,” the statement read.
The group further advised elected candidates to regard their victories as a call to service by working tirelessly for the peace, unity, growth, and development of their respective communities and constituencies.
Orelaja concluded with a prayer that the exercise would strengthen democracy and promote national harmony in Nigeria.
