Members and supporters of the ALLOW–ALAO Team (AAT) on Thursday turned out in large numbers at Ward 08, Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, to demonstrate their unwavering loyalty and support for governorship aspirant, Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao, during the just concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Primary Election.
The primary election, which was conducted at Ajia Primary School, Ward 08, Ona Ara Local Government, witnessed active participation of party members under the APC direct primary system.
At the end of the exercise, Engr. Hakeem Alao secured 40 votes to emerge second at the ward level, while Chief Bayo Adelabu polled 7 votes. Senator Sharafadeen Ali garnered 140 votes through affirmation as one of the governorship aspirants of the party.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the exercise, one of the leaders of the ALLOW–ALAO Team, Hon. Yemi Akinwale, popularly known as Havana, said the team participated fully in the process because direct primary remains the next constitutional option when consensus arrangements fail to produce genuine agreements among aspirants.
According to him, the direct primary system provides every aspirant the opportunity to test their grassroots popularity and political strength, describing the process as “true democracy.”
Hon. Akinwale expressed excitement over the impressive turnout of party members despite the exercise holding during working hours, noting that the development reflects the people’s belief in the Renewed Hope Agenda and confidence in the leadership potential of Engr. Hakeem Alao.
He further described Engr. Alao as a consistent progressive who has remained steadfast in his political ideology from the beginning of his career till date, while appreciating party faithful for their peaceful conduct throughout the exercise.
Also present throughout the process was the Local Government Secretary of the party and former Councillor of Ward 08, Hon. Talubi Hamsat, who commended the peaceful, free, and fair conduct of the primary election and offered prayers for continued peace and progress within the party.
Similarly, the Ward Chairman, Comrade Mosobalaje Moshood, thanked God for the unity and progress being witnessed in Ward 08 during his tenure, expressing confidence that the ward would deliver massively for the APC in future elections if the current spirit of unity is sustained.
Among stakeholders present at the exercise were Hon. Akeem Babalola, former Councillor of the ward; Pa Akanmu Amusa; Hon. Femi Joseph, Ward Party Secretary; Hon. Akanmu Suleman, Renew Hope Ambassador Ward Coordinator; Alfa Kabiru Olabiwoninu; ward executives; and several members of the All Progressives Congress.
