Politics
EXCLUSIVE: Questions Trail Dr. Ayokunle’s Senatorial Bid Over Alleged Non-Purchase Of Nomination, Expression Of Interest Forms
By Joseph Sunday
The senatorial ambition of Dr. Ayokunle has come under scrutiny following fresh findings that have raised doubts about his membership status and participation in the party’s internal processes.
Investigations indicate that Dr. Ayokunle allegedly failed to obtain the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms and did not remit the prescribed fees to the party.
Further checks revealed that he has been unable to provide any proof of payment for the forms, which cost N3 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N5 million for the Nomination Form. He was also unable to produce evidence of payment for the development levy he claimed to have paid and did not also participate in the party’s screening conducted.
Sources within the party allege that his recent media vituperations is a mere grandstanding aimed at destabilizing the party and retaining control of its structure ahead of the next governorship election in Ekiti State, with a view to positioning himself as the party’s gubernatorial candidate.
Party stakeholders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, further described Dr. Ayokunle as a political lightweight in his base, alleging that he lacks the political influence to win even a councillorship election in his hometown, Ikere-Ekiti.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from Dr. Ayokunle as of the time of filing this report were unsuccessful.
In a related development, a party chieftain who claimed to have brought Dr. Ayokunle into the party has called on the leadership to demand accountability from him.
In a message addressed to the Deputy National Chairman (South), the chieftain said: “Good morning my Chairman. This man has been the brain behind all the troubles we are having recently. I brought him to the party and I never knew he will give us the same problem he gave in ADC.”
He urged the party leadership to ask Dr. Ayokunle to provide:
- Transaction details and receipts for the N3 million and N5 million for the forms and the development levy he claimed to have paid;
- Evidence that he obtained and filled the nomination forms;
- Details of who adopted him, when and how he emerged as a consensus candidate; and
- Substantive evidence of the fraud he alleged.
He also requested a conference call to clarify other issues raised by Dr. Ayokunle, stating that he had remained silent in the interest of the party despite alleged damage to his person.