TheCable

Babachir Lawal, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), says the current administration will not hesitate to deal with anyone who foments trouble ahead of the All Progressive Congress (APC) primary election in Ondo state.

Addressing reporters at the end of a meeting with the 24 aspirants of the party in the state, Lawal promised that the government would provide a level playing field.

He also assured the aspirants of adequate security for the exercise scheduled for Saturday, saying President Muhammadu Buhari has no preferred candidate in the election.

“The government of President Muhammadu Buhari wishes to reiterate that it has no preferred candidate among the 24 aspirants and that government would do all in its power to provide a level-playing field for all the aspirants,” he said.

“We expect that all the aspirants will work hard to win the votes of delegates. In the tradition of APC, we expect that there will be no inducement of delegates or coercion.

“We understand that tension is high due to some underlying factors. The national working committee (NWC) of the party has assured the government and we believe them that everything will be done to ensure that elections are free and fair, and we know that no official of the party would do anything to give undue advantage to any aspirant over others.

“Government will come hard on anyone that does anything that in any way jeopardises the peace and security of Ondo state.”

Lawal also advised the 10 aspirants who were yet to sign an undertaking with the Department of State Services (DSS) to do so as soon as possible.

He urged the aspirants to unite behind whoever emerges as the candidate saying, very soon, Ondo would come under the control of the APC.

Lawal expressed optimism that the election would be transparent.

“This party is committed to providing free and fair election because the calibre of members that we are sending to conduct this primary election are up to the task,” he said.

“The question of either camping or inducing delegates, I am sure our delegates are people that no one can control their minds. Nobody at any level will influence their decisions.”

Jumoke Anifowoshe, who spoke on behalf of the aspirants, thanked Buhari for restoring confidence in all those vying for the party’s ticket. She advised her co-contestants to cooperate with the party in order to have a hitch-free exercise.

The APC in Ondo is embroiled in controversy over the alleged attempt to impose the party’s candidate  for the November election.