The All Progressives Congress in Ondo State is ready to choose its governorship candidate today.
The ruling party stated that 171, 922 members from the 203 wards of the 18 local government areas of the state will participate in today’s primary election.
Sixteen candidates will compete for the APC governorship ticket in the state.
The candidates include Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Olusola Oke, Prof. Francis Faduyile, Dr Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, and Isaacs Kekemeke.
Other candidates are Dr Soji Ehinlanwo, Akinfolarin Samuel, Okunjimi Odimayo, Adewale Akinterinwa, Olugbenga Edema, Gen. Ohunyeye Olamide, Morayo Lebi, Garvey Oladiran Iyanjan, and Ifeoluwa Oyedele.
Aiyedatiwa, who has the support of traditional rulers and the majority of state lawmakers, is in a strong position.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said, “We are not under any pressure. The primary is just in 24 hours. I am sure by then, everybody will know where they belong.”
He described the mood in the governor’s camp as normal.
“This is not about mood. The reality will be on the field tomorrow. He is the governor. There is nothing to worry about,” he stated.
Aiyedatiwa concluded his campaign tour in three council areas of Akoko North West, Akoko North East, and Akoko South on Friday, and stated that he still enjoys the support of the people.
He said: “Throughout this campaign journey, the immense support I’ve garnered stresses the resounding desire of the people of Ondo State for continuity. This affirmation is rooted in the remarkable progress achieved during the short period we have spent in office. The people of Ondo state yearn for the continuation of this positive trajectory and it is evident that they believe I am the right candidate to lead this charge.
“Therefore, I urge everyone to identify with me in their various wards on Saturday, so that the developmental phase we have embarked on can continue. Let us ensure that our collective voices are heard loud and clear.”
But another contestant, Ibrahim, who spoke at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja few days ago, warned that an endorsement does not win anybody an election.
The senator also said the governor and other aspirants know he is the most qualified, as he has been in the race as far back as 2003 when he contested with the likes of the late former governors, Olusegun Agagu and Adebayo Adefarati.
Another contestant, Akinterinwa, also ended his campaign tour at his Ile-Oluji hometown where he promised to be true to his campaign promises ahead of Saturday’s party primary.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Akinterinwa exuded confidence, saying he expected nothing short of victory at the poll.
He said, “Ondo people want somebody knowledgeable, who has the capacity, somebody who has been around long enough, whom they know and who has been in government that they can fraternise with.
“When we go out, we don’t bring big groups from one local government to another. So, our crowd is natural; it is within that area. I expect that on Saturday, we will win the primaries. By the grace of God, I won’t be surprised if other candidates start stepping down for me. Some of them (candidates) are already reaching out to me.”
A female contestant, Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, has stated that she is ready to step down if the APC requests it.
She revealed this to reporters at a media gathering in Akure, the state capital on Friday.
She said, “I will step down out of loyalty to the party. If the party asked me, I would do so. Wherever the party goes, I will go. I came out based on the passion I have for people. No one asked me to contest. I am not going to bribe anybody.
“Without hiding the fact, this idea of rotation has unfortunately become a barrier to progress. One of its mistakes is that it prioritizes political combination over meritocracy and competence.”
Another governorship aspirant, who appears to be challenging the odds in the last few weeks, is Oke.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria is entering the contest with a series of endorsements from some traditional chiefs and the popular Omoluabi Indigene group.
Two days ago, the campaign organization of the late Dr Paul Akintelure, who was also a governorship contender until he passed away on March 24 after a short illness, merged its structure to join forces with Oke’s camp
The move was confirmed in a statement jointly signed by the Director General and General Secretary of the group, Dr. Bello Adeluse Obe and Mrs Usor Eteng, respectively.
The group, which directed all its members across the 18 local government areas of the state to vote for Oke, said the development became necessary to ensure his victory in Saturday’s governorship election.
