OWO, Ondo State – Rumours of candidate disqualifications have unsettled the All Progressives Congress [APC] primary race in Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, with three aspirants reportedly facing possible exclusion by the screening committee.
According to sources within the party, Hon. Ayodeji Arowele was said to have been disqualified following petitions submitted against him. Arowele, who was earlier linked to Ondo State Finance Commissioner Mrs. Olawunmi Isaac, is also said to have lost support among party leaders in Owo and Ose local government areas.
Also named among those reportedly disqualified is Lekan Olotu who is a chartered accountant based in Abuja. Reasons for his disqualification has not been released.
Another aspirant, Hon. Dr. Adeyemi Olayemi, popularly known as “Koko,” is facing scrutiny over allegations concerning his suitability to represent Owo/Ose Federal Constituency. Critics allege that Dr. Olayemi previously claimed ownership of the West African Union University in the Benin Republic. The institution reportedly enrolled about 50 on-campus students from Nigeria and the Benin Republic, along with more than 400 distance-learning students in Nigeria.
The university was said to have operated since 20 and defraud led many innocent students most especially from Nigeria.
However, questions later emerged over its legitimacy. The National Universities Commission [NUC] listed the institution among 58 “fake universities” in its 2023 advisory.
Observers also noted that the university’s website, previously accessible at http://www.thewauu.com, is no longer active, further fuelling concerns about its operations.
The developments have sparked debate among stakeholders and residents of Owo/Ose Federal Constituency,
Meanwhile, all efforts reaching him on his mobile line proved abortive for further clarifications on the allegations
The APC screening committee is yet to issue an official statement confirming the disqualifications.
Moreso, the affected aspirants have been running from.pillar to pole to cove -up the short comings that led to their disqualifications.
