"The stakeholders' meeting resolved that the backdoor arrangement, that favoured the likes of Borrofice against other aspirants notable amongst whom are the human rights lawyer, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, a former House Speaker and grassroots mobiliser, Hon, Victor Olabimtan, is considered unfair, unjust and stands rejected," the statement read.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State has countered the position of the National Working Committee (NWC) on three Senators from Senatorial districts of the state.
The NWC of the party had given automatic clearance to the three Senators — Ajayi Boroffice, Olutayo Alasoadura and Yele Omoguwa — from Ondo Senatorial Districts of the state, a move which was said to have caused confusion in Akeredolu's camp. [story_link align="left"]63593[/story_link]
In an electronic statement issued on Wednesday in Akure, the state chapter of the party said the decision could not stand, as it will further cause division in the party.
Steve Otaloro, Director of Media and Publicity of the party, issued the statement after an emergency meeting of the state APC.
According to Otaloro, the decision of the NWC to automatically clear the three Senators was a "backdoor arrangement" that will not stand.
The statement read: "The stakeholders' meeting resolved that the backdoor arrangement that favoured the likes of Borrofice against other aspirants notable amongst whom are the human rights lawyer, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, a former House Speaker and grassroots mobiliser, Hon, Victor Olabimtan, is considered unfair, unjust and stands rejected.
"An enduring political culture can only be built when politicians adhere to the rules of the game. Leadership is by providence, therefore, politicians should understand that God bestows same on whomsoever He wishes. The stakeholders meeting noted that the practice of changing goalpost at the middle of a game does not align with our party ideals. It is totally alien to our belief.
"We clearly absolve the national leadership of our party from blame in all these as they were being misled by the said senator to go along with him. The likes of Borroffice and few others asked for direct primary; they got, but what they did with it is appalling.
"This unfortunate decision of giving certain members preference over the others, by clearing them to contest, but weaved disqualification for others has the propensity of destroying the strong sense of oneness of our members in the state. This should be condemned by all reasonable persons. It should not stand
"We have no doubt that our party national leadership will reassessed the issue and correct it."
The party also specifically accused Boroffice, representing Ondo North Senatorial District of "hobnobbing" with NWC to adopt automatic ticket for the party's representatives at the National Assembly for the 2019 poll, noting that the Senator with some members of the ruling party, have been using their influence in Abuja to cause disaffection in the party's state chapter.
The statement continued: "Senator Ajayi Borroffice and his disciples are walking the path of destroying the party in the state by stirring commotion, disaffection and widespread apathy among the members of the party, who have sacrificed all they have to put the party in the enviable position it occupied in the state.
"Among other things, it was noted that the senator has never contributed any thing whatsoever to the activities of the party in Ondo State. Secondly, the senator would always indulged in anti-party activities, one of which nearly cost us the recent governorship election in the state, but for the commitment of our loyal members who stood their ground and worked assiduously for our victory.
"Every politics is local, as they say, but Senator Boroffice's type of politics is a deviation. He hobnobs with the power that be at 40, Blantrye street, Wuse, Abuja, mud-slinging the leadership of the party in the state to get his wish done, to become presented as the only candidate for the coming senatorial election.
"Senator Borroffice has for a long time disconnected himself from the party in the state, therefore, it would be difficult for loyal party members to campaign for the victory of our party in the coming election.
"It was noted that, through a backdoor snitch on other contestants who are equally contesting the same senatorial seat, Senator Boroffice got a preferential clearance as the party flag bearer."
It, however, also advised the party's leadership to listen to the voices of its state chapter and walk on a path of democracy.