| The gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State, *His Excellency Ajayi Alfred Agboola* arrived London Tuesday evening to unveil his manifesto to the Ondo States indigenes living in the United kingdom.
The former deputy governor was received on arrival by PDP faithful at the Heathrow AirPort ahead a scheduled meeting with PDP members in UK , to intimate them of his blueprints for the good people of Ondo State if voted as Governor of on November 16, 2024.. Agboola Ajayi during his five days visit is expected to engage Ondo State indigenes in the country with the intent of promulgating his great vision and how he intends to restore the pride of the people of the state. Sam Ogumusi, the Spokesperson to the PDP Candidate who signed the statement also reiterated that Agboola Ajayi will meet members of the UK business community to discuss how they can collaborate to bring massive development to Ondo State economy. In a related development, a chieftain of the party who wishes to remain anonymous stressed the importance of Agboola’s engagements in the United Kingdom saying: “The significance of this visit can’t be less-emphasized. I’m certain it will give him robust avenue to share his blueprint |
Tag: Guber
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Ondo 2024: PDP Candidate, Agboola Ajayi Takes Campaign to United Kingdom
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I’m Vindicated, Ex-Dep Gov Shaibu Boasts As Court Nullifies PDP Guber Primary
The impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu, says he has been vindicated by Thursday’s Federal High Court, Abuja, judgment invalidating the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, governorship primary election of Edo State.
Shuaibu, who reacted on to the judgment delivered by Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo, dismissed what PDP tagged as a primary election on February 22, 2024, as nothing but a tea party with no force of law.
He said he had made it clear that the PDP killed internal democracy with the fraudulent ways it organised its purported primary election at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
The former Deputy Governor said those who voted for him at his parallel primary election were the authentic delegates lawfully chosen by the people to nominate the governorship candidate for PDP.
Shuaibu said there was nothing wrong for him to join the All Progressives Congress, APC, as long as democracy remains a game for the vast majority of people.
According to him, “When you see a political party wooing people to its group, that party wants to win but when you see a party chasing people away as in the case of the PDP, that party is planning nothing but rigging of election.:
Indeed, Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo had in his judgment invalidated the February 22 PDP primary election on the ground that 378 delegates who were supposed to vote in the election were unlawfully excluded.
In the ruling delivered on Thursday, the presiding judge, Ekwo held that the PDP primary held on February 22 failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the party’s constitution.
Ekwo held that from the exhibit tendered in court, the returning officers who prepared the result sheets only sat in one place to falsify the outcome of the poll.
He said the exclusion of the 381 delegates, including the plaintiffs, was against the provisions of the law.
The judge further held that even though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) filed a memorandum of appearance in the suit, it was unfortunate that the commission did not file any process in the case
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Ondo Guber: PDP Candidate, Agboola Ajayi Empty As Aiyedatiwa Group Fights Back
The Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers Independent Council (LACO-FSIC) has described a statement credited to the gubernatorial candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is incompetent, as the output of an empty mind.
Ajayi reportedly called the governor “incompetent” on Wednesday while speaking with newsmen at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Akure, where he revisited the nullification of the 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by an Akure High Court.
But in a swift response, the Campaign Council through its State Director of Information, Mr. Kayode Fasua, stated that “Agboola Ajayi in saying that Governor Aiyedatiwa is incompetent, by not running around communities begging them not to go to court over the newly created LCDAs, presents Ajayi himself as an empty mind.”
According to the Council, Ajayi’s line of argument that Aiyedatiwa should have persuaded the litigants in the LCDAs’ suit not to seek redress in court presented him as too pedestrian to seek the office of Governor.
“Otherwise, why should Mr. Ajayi keep harping on the need for Governor Aiyedatiwa to have prevented aggrieved communities from going to court when an envisioned court verdict would never stop the state government from creating new LCDAs?
“What the court said in its judgment, in clear terms, is that the local councils were approved in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and not within Ondo State territory, as required by law.
“Therefore, the state government can from there review the process, and come up with a decision that will appease all interests regarding the creation of new LCDAs.
“As such, Ajayi and his team are thus advised to desist from flocking media houses to make emotional outbursts on topics about which they lack adequate knowledge,” the LACO-FSIC appealed.
Besides, the Campaign Council expressed dismay at what it described as “the culture of brigandage which the PDP is bringing to the emerging gubernatorial campaigns, especially in Akure where some leaders of the party have been breeding political thugs, harassing peace-loving APC supporters.”
“They are herein reminded of the sad event of 1983, when senses took flight for evil to prevail, and many years after, Ondo State and indeed the entire country have been struggling to get out of the trauma caused by that political crisis.
“So, the Ondo State PDP should be guided, as there is a government in power, to maintain law and order, and will never allow miscreants to take over the state.
“Government will act within its powers to deal with such ugly situations as nobody will be allowed to put the state on fire.
“Again, the PDP candidate should mind his statements; being the candidate of a party does not give you the licence to keep insulting the executive governor of a state.
“Let Ajayi be reminded that nobody is above the law,” the Campaign Council warned.
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Ondo Guber: APC Accuses PDP of Hiring Crowd for Akure Rally
The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State, has accused the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, of deceit by hiring people during its campaign rally in Akure on Wednesday.
PDP had celebrated the defection of hundreds of people at the rally where its gubernatorial candidate, Hon Agboola Ajayi received them and unfolded his manifesto to the people and the desire to reclaim Ondo State from the ruling APC.
But in a terse statement by the State Information Director, Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers Independent Council (LACO-FSIC), Kayode Fasua denounced the antics of the PDP saying that the purported defection was a ruse.
“The crowd at the so-called PDP rally that took place in Akure today (Wednesday) was a scam as it was populated by largely rented individuals,” Fasua said. “The much celebrated defection from APC was also a calculated attempt to deceive the people of Ondo State as they were not registered members of APC.
“Their antic was amplified by the chaos and ugly spectre of people fighting over service money, after the jamboree.
“No doubt, campaigns are just starting and the happy people of Akure, who are impressed with the masses-oriented programmes of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa are going to troop out en-masses, to show gratitude, once APC campaigners mount the stump.
“Those who reportedly said hunger chased them from APC to PDP are mere political jobbers, who underwent dress rehearsal to please their paymasters. They will soon be seen lobbying to play the same role, using the other side of the coin, when another political party comes to town for campaigns.”
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Ondo Guber Primary: Are APC Leaders Still Democrats Or Mere Pretenders? Asks Sola Olatunji
The heat after the charade called All Progressives Congress, APC, primary election of April 20 seems to have simmered with the public display of the list of 16 contesting political parties’ candidates and their deputies by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Saturday. But political gladiators in Ondo State are now having more sleepless nights like never before. Like the proverbial cat with nine lives, the shambolic election has taken a life of its own as the ghost of that travesty of justice on that black Saturday has continued to hunt the perpetrators.
To say the list, it has become a case of a fowl that perches on a tenuous rope. No peace for the rope and neither is the fowl as the primary has caused serious crack on the wall of APC.
What is very obvious since April 20 is that APC is being faced with commotion as a house divided against itself can’t stand. The rumbles have since snowballed into open conflicts amongst the leadership of the party and the opposition parties are watching with unabated interest .They are waiting to feast on the crisis that will continue to engulf the APC from now till the November 16 day of decision in Ondo State. This infraction appears to have polarized the party almost beyond redemption.
APC is brutally divided in the state and the unending reconciliation efforts may end in futility as the matter might have become a rather bad case. As we speak, the stage is set for the crisis to move on the next gear as it will move to the court room on May 29 (incidentally Democracy Day before President Bola Tinubu moved it to June 12) for adjudication even as Senator Jimoh Ibrahim remains adamant on politic settlement insisting that the party must do the right thing and live as the coming together of the progressive minded people and not a circuit of jesters arrogantly parading themselves as democrats.
The other 15 parties are awfully jittery wondering what’s hidden in the womb of November 16 by APC for the other parties at the election if its primary was brazenly manipulated in such a disgraceful manner.
If I may ask, who were the script writers and who schemed Kogi Governor Ododo and his gang as the choreographers? Who were the directors of the nollywood primary election? Could this plot or conspiracy be designed and targeted at the political colossus such as Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chief Olusola Oke and Wale Akinterinwa who are all political juggernauts from Ondo South with a sinister motives to demystify their political relevance in Ondo State?
These daylight coup plotters against democracy have been masquerading all these while as democrats. Have we forgotten that democracy is likely to be the best form of government ever invented by man on this planet earth? Have we forgotten that free and fair elections are strong pillars of democracy? Have we forgotten that the election is about popularity contest? Have we forgotten that there is no way we can pretend to have democracy if our laws are being subjugated at will by certain elements in society? Are we not aware that injustice will continue to fuel conflicts in any society? Why should certain people apply double standards and expect peace to reign in our society? Are we too young to forget the consequences of the 1983 election massively rigged by the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, in Ondo State. How soon do we forget great citizens of the state such as Agbayewa, Ebun-Ogunyinka and others who never lived to tell the story of the 1983 rigging in Ondo State?
Why is the APC which Nigerians thought has come to rescue them from poor governance and the recklessness of PDP administration is now worse off because of the lack of internal democracy in the party? We have seen all attempts to legalise an election that was concocted by people we thought believed in all decency but we are disappointed that these conspirators who scripted the nollywood-like primary election are everywhere trying to justify the ignoble show of shame. Why should those faces that we cherished as our pride and symbol of democracy in Nigeria be involved in such abracadabra erroneously called primary election?
Distinguished Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has since approached the court to seek redress against the infringement of his right at the federal High Court, Abuja. While Dr Jimoh Ibrahim has continued to earn accolades for this struggle against injustice, the Araba of Ondo politics can’t be taken for a ride. We are aware of the barrage of attacks he is being subjected to just because he is fighting against injustice. We also saw the clandestine move to suspend him in his ward at Igbotako by the script writers just because he was fighting for his right. We are also aware of the pressure from the high and mighty quarters. I am flabbergasted that those who scripted the primary election who should naturally know better are the ones embarking on nocturnal visits to Dr Jimoh Ibrahim and others. asking them to bury this matter so that they can share their loots? This is a matter of injustice, and I doubt if there is any degree of conspiracy that can extinguish the flame of this struggle.
Otunba Sola Olatunji At this juncture, I doubt if this matter hasn’t gone beyond Dr Jimoh Ibrahim. He has become the symbol against injustice in Nigeria and everywhere. We know where the names of people who fought similar battles are domiciled in history across the world. They have a police report in their favour. They have a DSS report in their favour. They also have a last-minute double standard INEC report that is presently entangled in their cobweb of criminality. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and others only have the support of the oppressed Ondo people and the Electoral Act of 2022 as amended. I doubt if Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim could pull a hold on this matter anymore because it’s a matter of injustice and history may not be kind to him eventually if he pulls out at this eleventh hour. I insist that if I were Dr Jimoh Ibrahim, it would be better for me to be on the side of history and see this case being decided by the Supreme Court.
.Otunba Sola Olatunji, Chairman , Ondo South Citizen’s Forum writes from Lagos.
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Ondo Guber Primary: APC Stalwart Calls Tinubu, NEC to Show Direction
An All Progressives Congress bigwig from Ondo South Senatorial Zone, Otunba Sola Olatunji has made a clarion call to President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the APC to show direction on the primary election of the party coming on Saturday.
There have been disturbing outrage of financial inducement, membership cards manipulation and outright tampering with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, register, leading to protest letter from seven of the aspirants earlier in the week.
Olatunji, chairman of Ondo South Citizens Forum, affirms that President Tinubu is not a leader who prevaricates on burning issues such as the all important primary in Ondo. “Mr President is not a leader given to procrastination either,” Olatunji said.
Highlighting the importance of APC winning the gubernatorial election of November 26, Olatunji warns that the party can’t afford to lose Ondo State after losing Oyo and Osun States to the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in bizarre manner.
Olatunji said: “If you ask me, I will say unequivocally that Mr. President is not a man given to procrastination. But we are worried that the primary election, which is scheduled for tomorrow April 20, is full of uncertainty and people are getting apprehensive about this, especially the aspirants and party members.
“Less that 24 hours to the election, the modus operandi is still shrouded in secrecy. And there is palpable fear everywhere. The APC leadership and NEC should do the right thing now to evert the looming danger
“It’s unlike Mr. President not to have interacted with the array of aspirants who are going to participate in this primary election before now. Ondo State people, particularly APC members are worried that usually, the president would interact with aspirants, especially with this large figure ahead of the primary, knowing full well the significance of Ondo State which is part of the South West political base of Mr President.
“Mr. President seems not to be bothered about this primary election and this has continued to give room for all manners of conjectures and permutations that are already generating unwarranted apprehension. Some of the aspirants are unhappy with the treatment they are getting from the leadership of the party based on the neglect and uncertainty surrounding this primary election after so much effort have been deployed in terms of finance and human resources to make the election a resounding success But as it stands, some of the aspirants and accredited voters of APC are stranded.
“Sir, you are noted for a quick fix in all ramifications, including politics. It’s on this note that we are requesting that you should make a public pronouncement on the way forward about the primary election of APC in Ondo State as quickly as possible to douse the tension around.”
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2024 Guber: Ondo Women Petition Tinubu, Ganduje, APC, Warn ‘Aiyedatiwa Not Fit to Rule’
A group of women in Ondo State under the aegis of Society for Women Empowerment , SWE, has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, his wife Remi, Ganduje and All Progressive Congress warning that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa should not be allowed to destroy the party in the state.
The group particularly urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to give its ticket to Aiyedatiwa, adding that a man who can’t run his home can’t run the state successfully.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mrs Damilola Charles, the women called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Ganduje, to critically examine the importance of a happy and peaceful home in the productivity of men.
The SWE had in June last year accused Aiyedatiwa of beating his wife, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa.
The Petition states:”The good people of Ondo State and by extension, the country, can now confirm that Governor Aiyedatiwa was assaulting his wife frequently and the poor woman, has now returned to the United Kingdom permanently. She has forsaken the perks and benefits of being a First Lady.
“We have amplified this situation severally. Our concerns, as mothers, have now shifted to the well-being of the people of Ondo state. We are concerned about the pedigree of man who assaults his wife and failed to keep a home.
“They say a blissful home creates a peaceful society. The situation in Ondo State negates this beautiful assertion. The number one citizen of the state, Aiyedatiwa has no wife at home. Hence, no home. The anointing of the bliss that’s supposed to run from the home and head of the leader of the state is lacking and obviously absent.
“It will amount to an aberration to entrust the affairs of the state to a man who couldn’t keep his home. We are calling on the mother of the Nation, Senator Remi Tinubu to investigate the situation in Ondo. A wife beater should have no place in the affairs of the country.
“At this age and time, when we are fighting domestic violence, a governor of a state like Ondo or any other state in the country for that matter should not be seen as a poster boy for domestic violence. It’s unacceptable.
“The events of the last few months have shown that Governor Aiyedatiwa has no regard for women. Despite the momentum of the campaigns ahead of the primary elections, and the fact that other aspirants are already moving around with their wives, the absence of Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa is conspicuous.
“Governance is a serious business. While there are no special hand book on how to run the state, there are specific factors and indications that show the preparedness and competence of the seeker of the office. Effective management of the home front is the propeller for effectiveness, efficiency and productivity. A man who can’t run his home, can’t run the state.”
Aiyedatiwa’s wife, Mrs Oluwaseun Esther Aiyedatiwa, had in June 2023, cried out over alleged beatings she suffered in the hands of her husband. A newspaper, Street Journal, had quoted her as saying that her husband, then the deputy governor, had turned her into punching bag with daily rounds of beatings.
The popular society newspaper quoted Mrs Aiyedatiwa as saying, “I have endured physical, mental abuse from my husband…
“Prior to Lucky’s appointment as deputy governor, we had ongoing issues revolving around abusive behaviour. Each time he would apologise, often attributing his actions to alcohol. Our children have witnessed this on two occasions.
“They implored me to have him arrested, but I explained that Nigerian culture does not provide room for such measures.
“I have endured physical, emotional and mental abuse from my husband – beatings, torture, and constant mistreatment.”
She has since reportedly relocated to the United Kingdom out of fear for life
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Ondo Guber: War in Owo As Akeredolu’s Kinsmen Rise Against Aiyedatiwa
Kinsmen of the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in Owo and Ose Local Government Areas have denied endorsing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the party’s candidate ahead of the forthcoming primary election.
They said the report claiming APC leaders in Owo and Ose have endorsed Aiyedatiwa was egregiously fallacious, patently deceptive and misleading.
The Owo/Ose APC leaders said the event that transpired in Owo was a gathering of Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists for a political meeting, as evidenced by those present at the event.
A statement by Fatai Olushina and Elefola Solomon said those at the gathering that endorsed Aiyedatiwa were those who previously opposed Akeredolu’s interest in the state.
The statement said a genuine consensus to endorse a candidate within the Owo and Ose APC chapters would be championed by renowned and steadfast leaders, whose political acumen were well recognized.
According to Olushina, the “Footage retrieved from the event highlights the local government party chairman’s refusal to publicly endorse Aiyedatiwa, which led to an obvious awkward situation. This unfolding spectacle is as amusing as it is troubling. We remain vigilant of Aiyedatiwa’s escalating desperation and his campaign’s attempts to manufacture endorsements across the state
“Our resolve is firm in Owo and Ose, and within the broader APC family, to not let misrepresentations prevail. The loyalists of the late Governor Akeredolu’s leadership in Owo and across the state stand united in their rejection of Aiyedatiwa’s tactics to secure the party’s nomination. It is well documented that Aiyedatiwa’s treatment of the late Governor was profoundly inhumane and deeply callous.
“We refuse to honour such betrayal and cruelty with our party’s endorsement. As we await guidance from our revered leader and father, President Bola Tinubu, we are committed to exposing the deceit and mendacity of Aiyedatiwa and his cohort of betrayers.”
The relationship between the late Governor and Governor Aiyedatiwa became strained and distant until his passing.
“Despite attending to official matters and meeting people from Akure, the late Governor intentionally kept Mr. Aiyedatiwa, who was the deputy governor at the time, away from him in Ibadan.
“Our late Governor was deeply disappointed and regretful of certain behaviours and character traits displayed by Mr. Aiyedatiwa during his health challenges, which ultimately led to his passing.
“We have also observed the circulation of a video recorded during the swearing-in ceremony of the late Governor and Mr. Aiyedatiwa as Governor and deputy governor, respectively. Undoubtedly, our late Governor had high hopes for Mr. Aiyedatiwa. The late Akeredolu never concealed his intentions.
“One thing that discerning minds can clearly see is the turn of events in the latter half of last year. Trust was betrayed. Confidence was shattered. And the true colours of desperation overshadowed the good intentions of our late Governor. What followed was a tale of disappointment and betrayal. Our late leader, to say the least, was heartbroken before his demise.
“We, therefore, caution Mr. Aiyedatiwa to cease these deceptive tactics and focus on his campaign. Akeredolu’s ardent followers, including members of his family, do not support Mr. Aiyedatiwa’s aspiration to clinch the ticket of the party.”
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Ondo House of Assembly Speaker, Oladiji in Trouble over Controversial Aiyedatiwa’s Guber Endorsement
The Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon Olamide Oladiji may have stirred the hornets’ nest over his blanket endorsement of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as All Progressive Congress, APC, preferred candidate for the November 26 gubernatorial election in the state.
Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday declared his intention to fight for the APC ticket at the April 24 party primaries, among other 24 aspirants who are eyeing the Alagbaka Estate seat in Akure.
Oladiji is now facing legislative scrutiny and possible impeachment over allegation of misrepresenting the 18 lawmakers saying that the House had endorsed Aiyedatiwa as APC candidate.
However, 13 lawmakers issued a statement, Wednesday morning, refuting Speaker Olajidi’s assertions, dismissing claims of endorsing Governor Aiyedatiwa as the party’s candidate.
The dissenting lawmakers expressed their lack of confidence in Speaker Olajidi, labeling his declaration as untrue, misleading, and unparliamentary.
They emphasized that no formal resolution had been passed by the Assembly endorsing Aiyedatiwa.
Oladiji, attended Governor Aiyedatiwa’s declaration of intent to vie for the party’s ticket, on Tuesday at the APC secretariat, Akure saying that 18 lawmakers supported the Governor’s aspiration.
They reiterated the commitment of the House of Assembly to democratic principles and emphasized the necessity to adhere to due process and relevant laws governing the state in making decisions concerning the endorsement of a gubernatorial candidate.”
”As Honourable members of the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly, we were shocked and disappointed to hear the public declaration made by the Honourable Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Olamide Oladiji, to the extent that the Ondo State House of Assembly has agreed to support the governorship ambition of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.”
it also revealed that it ”operates on democratic principles, and would formally take a collective decision, follow due process and the relevant laws governing the State where it wishes to take any decision regarding the endorsement of a gubernatorial candidate.”
”The said declaration by Mr. Speaker is untrue, misleading, un-parliamentary, and, to say the least, ridiculous.”
”We, therefore, wish to inform the good people of Ondo State at home and in the diaspora that:”
- At no point did the Ondo State House of Assembly deliberate the governorship ambition of any of the numerous aspirants that have indicated their interests to contest for the State’s 2024 Governorship Election, let alone agree to support any particular aspirant.
- Mr. Speaker lacks the moral and legal authorities to speak or pledge support for any governorship aspirant on behalf of the House without the explicit consent of members.
- Mr. Speaker has, by his unconventional and false public declaration, misrepresented the honourable House, and in so doing, brought the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly into disrepute, needless controversies and breached our confidence in his leadership.
- Consequently, we hereby pass a vote of no-confidence in the leadership of the Speaker, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji.
”The House of Assembly however reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all decisions taken are transparent enough and are in the best interest of the people of Ondo State.”
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Ondo Guber 2024: Olusola Oke Finally Declares, Unveils Plans to Transform State
Finally, the political juggernaut and grandmaster of Ondo politics, Chief Alexander Olusola Oke, is poised to unveil his political agenda to develop Ondo State today, Monday.
As one of the leading All Progressive Congress, APC, aspirants for the April 24 gubernatorial primaries, Oke said it took him some time to declare his intentions as he has to x-ray most of the political, economic and educational issues that have affected the exponential growth of Ondo State and has found out that the problems are surmountable adding that he would use them as stepping stones to industrialize the state.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also said that he had to delay his expression of interest in the race so as to honour, pay tribute and mourn the demise of the former governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
“Governor Rotimi Akeredolu was not only a friend or professional colleague but we had strong relationship and he was my governor,” Oke said while speaking with some journalists in Akure. “Honestly, I am seriously hit and devastated by Aketi’s untimely death. Well, my coming out late is not too much a sacrifice for a fearless governor and warrior who encapsulated the yearnings and aspirations of his people.
No fewer than 25 persons have shown interest in contesting in the April gubernatorial primaries of the APOC in Ondo State even as the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa is set to officially join the race on Tuesday.
Sources at the APC secretariat in Akure said a good number of aspirants have written to the chairperson, Ade Adetimehin, expressing their intent to contest.
Those aspiring include former former member of the House of Representatives, Mayowa Akinfolarin; former member who represented the State on the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Olugbenga Edema; retired Director of Finance at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Olumide Ohunyeye, and business mogul and incumbent Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Jimoh Ibrahim.
Others include former Commissioner for the Environment in the state, Sola Ebisemi; two-time governorship candidate in the state (2012 and 2016), Olusola Oke; the Executive Director (Engineering and Technical Services) at Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited, Ifeoluwa Oyedele; APC National Vice Chair (South-west), Isaac Kekemeke; former President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Prof Adedayo Faduyile; Paul Akintelure; Olusola Iji; Jimi Odimayo; Matthew Oyerinmade; Funmilayo Adekojo, and former Finance Commissioner, Wale Akinterinwa.
Information at the APC National Headquarters in Abuja is rife that there are palpable fears among the aspirants that the choice of President Bola Tinubu, who is believed to have a vested interest in who becomes the next governor, could be the deciding factor.
The recent declaration by the national secretariat that there would be no automatic ticket for the incumbent governor has also piled pressure on Aiyedatiwa, who is now seeking endorsement from the public.
“The party is looking for those who are loyal and who are core Progressives, and not just one with a big name,” a party source said.
Meanwhile, Chief Olusola Oke will on Tuesday begin a ward-to-ward visitation and conversation to sensitize the party electorate. He, and his entourage, will visit Erije Ward , Ayeka/Igbodigo ward, Okitipupa ward, Ode-Aye wardson Tuesday.
DAY 2, Friday, March 15 will take him to Igbotako wards, Iju-Odo/Erekiti, Ilutitun wards, Ikoya/Oloto/Igbisin wards.
Reacting to the political wave in the state, a stalwart of the APC and Chairman of socio-cultural group, Ikale Heritage Development Association, Otunba Sola Olatunji said Oke’s entrance into the race will sure send cold down the spines of some of the aspirants.
Olatunji said: “Now that the burial the late governor is over, the big masquerade has finally come out, and I can say for certainty that his entrant into the governorship race must have sent jitters into the camps of his rivals. I doubt if anyone amongst the aspirants can take Chief Olusola Oke for granted in the politics of Ondo State.
“Chief Olusola Oke , a lawyer and seasoned administrator is a man of many parts. He’s a charismatic personality, humorous and full of compassion for human development. He’s a man of high humility, capacity, and ready to walk his talk. He is a man of integrity and ready to take good governance to the next level in Ondo State.”.
Otunba Sola Olatunji Another APC bigwig, Funso Oyepitan said that in view of the political understanding across the three Senatorial zones in the State to guarantee inclusion, fairness, and political stability, the pendulum of where the next governor is coming from is facing the direction of the Southern part of the state.
Oyepitan said: “This political power balancing mechanism or understanding must have catalytically increased the galaxy of political stars on parades, jostling to become the landlord of Alagbaka House at most for 8 years.
“It’s also instructive to know that most of the stars on parades are drawn from the Southern Senatorial zone, thereby foreclosing any uncertainty about where the next governor of Ondo State will emerge from
“This is not the time for our people to be deceived by politics of bread and butter or politics of palliatives. This is the best time for our people to put on their thinking caps and also put their destiny in their hands so that they can critically evaluate the difference between 8 years and 4 years.
“ I honestly want to submit that if there is any aspirant who is aspiring and already limited by law to 4 years only in office when we have array of stars who can do 8 years in office from the South, such an aspirant should be told in a clear term that he is on his personal mission at the expense of the generality of the people of the South. There is no comparison between the development that will take place in 8 years and 4 years.
“It’s non- negotiable. The Southern Senatorial zone people will never settle for less than 8 years as 4 years is not our portion.”