APC Primaries: “I Don’t Feel Safe”, Ogun Reps Member Cries Out

A member of the House of Representatives representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, princes Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji has appealed to security agencies to prevent violence ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) house of representatives primaries scheduled to hold on Saturday in Sagamu.

Speaking in a viral video circulated on Friday, the lawmaker alleged that some individuals were threatening party members ahead of the exercise.

“Well, we have the primaries tomorrow. This is not the first time we are doing primaries, but to my surprise, and it’s very, very disturbing,” she said.

“And I feel very sad that there was a leader in Ward 14 that actually stood up and was threatening people in a meeting that they are going to attack them.”

Ayoola-Elegbeji further alleged that suspected union members had been mobilised in Ogijo to intimidate party members participating in the APC primaries.

The lawmaker questioned the rationale behind violence during an internal party election, noting that previous elections in the constituency were conducted peacefully.

“We had an election, 41,000 people voted. There was no violence. Why would there be violence for a primary?” she asked.

She disclosed that she had contacted the Department of State Services and other security agencies over the alleged threats.

“So I have appealed to the DSS. I’ve called the security agencies where I have proof,” she said.

“Like, for instance, the person that was talking in the open about threatening people. Somebody was beaten in Ward 14 today. They sent the pictures to me. We forwarded those to the appropriate security agencies.”

Ayoola-Elegbeji also appealed to traditional rulers and security operatives to intervene and ensure that the primaries are conducted peacefully.

“And I’m calling on all the security agencies and the traditional rulers to step in so that we don’t have violence during the primaries,” she said.

“It’s not necessary. We are a big, happy family.”

The lawmaker dismissed claims that the alleged threats were being carried out on behalf of Dapo Abiodun, describing the governor as a peace-loving leader.

“This man said he’s acting on behalf of the governor, but I know my governor,” she said.

“He’s a peace-loving person. For the past seven years, there has not been any violence or anything in the state. We’ve been one of the most peaceful states.”

Ayoola-Elegbeji revealed that she had also received security advice to temporarily leave her constituency due to fears of violence.

“Even me, myself, I’ve been advised to leave my constituency,” she stated.

“I don’t feel safe in my own constituency. Simply because this man is instigating violence against me and anybody who supports me.”

The controversy comes days after the lawmaker reportedly appealed to Governor Abiodun to intervene in disputes surrounding the APC consensus arrangement in Ogun State following her alleged exclusion from the party’s list.