Tension flared in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Saturday as members of the Democratic Leadership Alliance protested the conduct of the party’s presidential primary over the emergence of a consensus candidate.
The aggrieved members expressed dissatisfaction with the process, alleging that their preferred aspirant, Mrs Abisayo Busari-Akinnadeju, was excluded from the contest under controversial circumstances.
Party faithful who gathered for the primary election voiced concerns over what they described as a departure from democratic principles, leading to a disruption of proceedings at the venue.
One of the members, Oluwanifemi Akinola, lamented the development, saying supporters of Busari-Akinnadeju were left confused by her absence from the list of contestants.
According to him, many party members had confidence in her leadership credentials and political vision and expected her to participate in the race.
“We are disappointed by the way things have unfolded. Many of us believed in her ideals and expected a transparent process. Unfortunately, that has not happened,” he said.
Another member, Olajide Folorunso, said supporters of the aspirant felt betrayed by the turn of events and questioned the circumstances surrounding her reported resignation from the party.
He noted that many members were unwilling to participate in the voting process following her withdrawal and appealed to the party’s national leadership to address the grievances raised by members.
Folorunso also urged Busari-Akinnadeju and other aggrieved supporters to reconsider their decision to leave the party.
Similarly, Evelyn Falodu attributed the unrest to what she described as poor management of members’ expectations by the party leadership.
She said many members were frustrated because they were denied the opportunity to vote for the candidate they preferred.
“The leadership owes members a clear explanation. Accountability is important in party administration, and many people feel disappointed by what has happened,” she said.
Reacting to the incident, the Ondo State Chairman of the party, Oluwatosin Ayeni, described the crisis as unfortunate and appealed for calm among members.
Ayeni acknowledged that supporters of Busari-Akinnadeju were unhappy with the outcome of the screening process but expressed confidence that the party’s national leadership would intervene to resolve the dispute.
He said members had every right to express their grievances peacefully and assured them that efforts were being made to restore unity within the party.
The chairman also disclosed that the party would take responsibility for the treatment of an individual reportedly injured during the disturbance.
He expressed optimism that the issues surrounding the primary would be resolved through dialogue and reconciliation.
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