Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, has called on opposition parties to adopt the All Progressives Congress (APC) model of credible, peaceful, and transparent internal elections, following the conclusion of the party’s senatorial and House of Representatives primaries in the state. Speaking in Ikere Ekiti after voting ended at Atiba/Aafin Ward in the Ekiti South Senatorial District on Monday, Afuye praised the APC for conducting a smooth and democratic primary process that upheld party values and public trust. She emphasized that the peaceful conduct of party members and the orderly voting process reflected the APC’s deep commitment to internal democracy and fair competition.
The senatorial primary in Ekiti South attracted strong contenders, including incumbent Senator Yemi Adaramodu, former Senate Minority Leader Senator Biodun Olujimi, and former House of Representatives member Bamidele Faparusi. Afuye urged all candidates to accept the outcome of the election with grace and maturity, warning against making inflammatory remarks that could incite violence or disrupt the peace of the state. She stressed that political competition should remain respectful and constructive, even in the heat of contestation.
Afuye acknowledged that minor concerns were raised during the House of Representatives primaries held on Saturday, but described them as normal occurrences within any democratic process. She assured party members that the APC leadership would thoroughly investigate these issues and take appropriate measures to address grievances and maintain party unity. “No political process is absolutely perfect,” she said. “There could be some issues, and when raised, the party has a way of handling them. APC is a party of justice and fairplay. Nobody will be shortchanged in this primary.”
She also commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his impartial stance throughout the primaries, noting his firm rejection of name-dropping and political favoritism by candidates. “Governor Biodun Oyebanji has demonstrated neutrality in this election. He believes in the will of the people, rather than imposition,” Afuye stated. She encouraged all participants to view the primary as a family affair, urging them to avoid infighting and to support each other regardless of electoral outcomes.
Afuye reminded candidates that losing one election does not mean the end of political aspirations, and that winners should embrace their opponents as part of the democratic spirit. “If you lose an election today, that doesn’t mean you can’t win tomorrow. And those who win should embrace other contenders. That is the beauty of democracy,” she said. Her remarks underscore the APC’s commitment to maintaining harmony and credibility in its internal processes, setting a benchmark for other political parties in Nigeria. The peaceful conduct of the primaries signals a positive step toward strengthening democratic culture in Ekiti and beyond.
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