The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Aiyedatiwa

COPA congratulates Aiyedatiwa for picking Ondo APC governorship ticket

A support group, The Coalition of Progressive Ambassadors (COPA), has congratulated Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for winning the APC governorshop ticket at the weekend.

COPA,led by Director General Mr. Belele David Tamarau-Kuro, described the Governor as a worthy winner, saying it shares in its vision to transform Ondo State.

A statement on Monday by Tamarau-Kuro assured it will work towards the victory of Aiyedatiwa in November.

Read Also: JUST IN: Aiyedatiwa is Ondo APC Gov candidate

“We believe that under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s continued leadership, Ondo State will reach new heights of progress and development.

“Congratulations, Governor Lucky ORIMISAN Aiyedatiwa, on your well-deserved nomination as an APC gubernatorial candidate. COPA stands with you as you embark on this journey towards a brighter future for Ondo State,” the group stated.

April 22, 2024
Ondo APC primary: Aiyedatiwa, Akinterinwa end LGs tour

Two governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Wale Akinterinwa have ended tour of the 18 local government areas to woo party members to vote for them at the party primary.

Governor Aiyedatiwa concluded his campaign tour at the the three council areas of Akoko North West, Akoko North East, and Akoko southeast.

Aiyedatiwa, who urged his loyalists to remain steadfast till Saturday’s primary, said he received immense support during his tour across the 18 local government areas.

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’s 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.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa promised to increase developmental projects to strengthen the status of Ikare as one of the major economic hubs of the State.

Akinterinwa ended his tour at his Ile-Oluji hometown where he promised to be true to his campaign promises.

Speaking to journalists after the tour, Akinterinwa said he expected to be victorious at the primary.

He said he saw sincerity on the part

of the people.

“They want somebody knowledgeable, somebody who has the capacity, somebody who has been around long enough, somebody whom they know and who they know has been in government, somebody they can fraternise with.

Read Also: Why Aiyedatiwa ‘ll get APC ticket, by deputy governor

“When we go out, we don’t take crowds from one local government to the other. So, our crowd is organic; it is within that environment. I believe the state is ready for us, and they want us.

“I expect that on Saturday, we will come out as the winners of the primaries. By the grace of God. I won’t be surprised if aspirants start stepping down for me. Some of them (aspirants) are reaching out to me.”

On expectation of the committee to conduct the primary, Akinterinwa said: “I expect that the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, I don’t know him, but I believe he is a man of integrity, a man who has capacity. Obviously, for choosing him to come and conduct the election here (Ondo State), the party hierarchy must know that he is capable of doing a good job.

“I expect that we will have a level playing field and that we will have free and fair primaries, hitch-free, even though people are still a bit skeptical due to certain things. But all I know is that despite some of these obstacles, I’ll surmount them and come out victorious.

“The party has a structure. I believed that the people coming to conduct the primaries were also members of the party and had an understanding of their role.”

April 19, 2024
Why Aiyedatiwa ‘ll get APC ticket, by deputy governor

Ondo State Deputy Governor Chief Olayide Adelami examines the factors that will shape the primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and chances of his boss, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

In the last three or four months , how’s your relationship with governor Aiyedatiwa?

I am truly honoured to have been appointed by a man who enjoys God’s uncommon grace. Governor Aiyedatiwa believes whatever he is today is the Lord’s doing. This is simply my philosophy. Let me start by thanking the Governor for counting me worthy, and appointing me as his deputy. It is an opportunity to seat with him and take decisions together that will positively influence millions of people in the state and this is a rare privilege I will never take for granted.

I have been relating with politicians and public office holders for a long time and I can tell you that His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is one in a million. He is amiable, very hardworking and characteristically gracious. He wants Ondo state to develop in a way that no one will be left behind. He is a boss who is always open to new ideas and will never treat people based on where they come from or their socio-economic circumstances. It’s been a fantastic experience working with him for the past 3 months, I must say.

In terms of key performance indicators, how will you rate the governor since he assumed office?

Excellent! The Governor has been wonderful in the execution of his projects. What gladdens my heart is that he is paying attention to key sectors and the result has been awesome. You know he was already in the system before being sworn in as governor. So he is no stranger to the system and this is why it is not difficult for him to hit the ground running. He knows where the shoe pinches and he is solving the issues one after another.

What stands out for you in all his achievements?

Everything, just everything he has done. Starting with appointments of state executive council members and aides, he ensured we have round pegs in round holes. In the area of healthcare, the governor has recruited some new hands and he is currently recruiting more to fill up the gap created by health workers who have relocated abroad.

Read Also; Nigeria’s security architecture stretched beyond elastic limits, says Tinubu

There are several ongoing projects in the health sector across the state, For instance, the construction of 500 bedded wards in the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) Ondo city is one out of many. The education system has received a boost as we are currently recruiting 2000 teachers into our public schools in Ondo state. He also paid salary arrears owed to staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Owo. He approved a grant of N1bn for the construction of Senate building at UNIMED and he also gave another grant of N1.2bn to Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology in Okitipupa to complete some projects in the University.

There are several roads being rehabilitated and constructed across the state. The governor is also paying attention to our young people in terms of capacity building and employment.

Ondo state is also very peaceful and viable for small businesses. Recently the governor approved a loan of N220m for traders, artisans and SMEs. He is doing so much at a time. We must give him kudos.

Some politicians are saying the governor should not return because of perceived frosty relationship between him and late Akeredolu. What’s your take on this?

Frosty relationship? There was nothing like that. Right from day one, Governor Aiyedatiwa has had a smooth and cordial relationship with his late principal. In point of fact, they were very close and he {Akeredolu} had confidence in the Governor and he did not hide his love for him. He said it repeatedly at many public fora that Governor Aiyedatiwa will succeed him. Some of these statements or public declaration, if you prefer to call it so, were captured on tape. We have also had some of the late Governor’s close allies who testified to this. The artificial narratives of frosty relationship is simply the handiwork of mischief makers, whose mission is to halt the modest achievements being recorded by the people’s Governor, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

We have seen that some state executive council members who served under late Akeredolu are back in the system. What informed this?

You are correct. Ninety-nine percent of those who served under late Akeredolu are back as commissioners and special advisers even chairmen of boards are still in office. This speaks volume and reinforces my earlier statement that the governor has high regard for his late boss. It was the wish of the governor that he continued with his agenda and the first thing was to bring everyone back on board, except for few who did not want to be part of the system and created another pathway for themselves.

There are Insinuations that you were not on the same page with Akeredolu politically…

The late Governor did not just hail from my hometown of Owo, he was my personal friend and brother, whom I supported wholeheartedly in his bid to become governor. I donated my campaign structure to him and followed him round the 18 local government areas to campaign for his re-election in 2020. I did not just do that, I also supported him financially. The records are there in the public domain for anyone to see. You know people will just look for what to say since they cannot find anything against the present vovernor.

The primary of APC is around the corner. Can your principal get the party’s ticket?

Governor Aiyedatiwa is the man to beat. He is unarguably the best person for the job. Among all the contestants, he is the only one with governorship experience, the rest are campaigning based on what they will do but he is the only one campaigning based on what he has done, what he is currently doing and what he is going to do better. Based on his antecedents, the people of the state trust him to do more for them. He has the requisite experience and capacity to serve the people of Ondo state for another four years.

APC aspirants seem to be working against the emergence of Aiyedatiwa. Do you think your principal can survive the onslaught?

This is democracy and you just called them aspirants, meaning they are aspiring to be governor too. Everyone has the right to vote and be voted for. In politics, people do all sorts to stop the leading candidate. They cook up lies and fabricate a lot stories to make him look bad before the electorates. Unfortunately, the Governor has been waxing stronger. He never for once looked back and has clear ideas of where he wants the state to be in another four years. I am certain all the aspirants will give him their full support by the time he gets the ticket of the APC on Saturday.

Another interesting thing about the Governor is that he is a natural peacemaker who favors mediation and negotiation over use of force or coercion. He has never said anything negative about his opponents, either in public or private. He will definitely bring everyone together after the primaries and I can tell you he has all that worked out already. That is the kind of person Ondo state people want as their governor.

Many of the aspirants have been dropping names of late governor Akeredolu and Tinubu for their endorsement, who endorsed your principal.

{Smiles} I have said this repeatedly that it was the wish of late Akeredolu that Governor Aiyedatiwa succeed him. The party faithful in the state have also demonstrated that they are with him hundred percent. You need to be present at the local government tours that Mr Governor is currently embarking on. The outpouring of love from the masses and party members is unprecedented.

I have seen a lot of bigwigs within the party who believe in him and want him to succeed.

The state is heavily polarised. Do you have stakeholder’s support outside your zone?

I can confirm to you that every lover of good things is behind Governor Aiyedatiwa and they want him to win the election so the good work can continue. He is being supported by all Ondo state people and friends of Ondo state who want the good things to continue. It will interest you that the 130 crown Obas in Ondo state endorsed the governor and in Yoruba land, our monarchs are custodians of our culture and we hold them in high esteem. These traditional rulers endorsed him based on his achievements at the grassroots and based on the fact that his emergence has brought peace to our land. This in addition to numerous endorsements by different groups within and outside the state. Governor Aiyedatiwa has started well and we need him to continue.

What is next, If Aiyedatiwa secures the ticket of the party?

Expect total reconciliation, consolidation and united front. Trust me, he will kick-start aggressive development across the length and breath of Ondo state. Like I said, we are campaigning based on the achievements we have recorded. The Governor takes seriously the issue of youth unemployment. We have some youth-centred programs that we will be starting in the next few months. Our technical colleges are coming back big and better. Thousands of young unemployed youths will be trained in different areas including digital skills. We are lighting up our cities and embarking on rural electrification. The governor is not resting on his laurels. He will do much more.

What are you doing to reconcile some aggrieved members of your party ahead of the governorship primary election?

The party in the state is one. That people have their preferences in terms of candidates does not mean the party in the state has issues. Though, we must give credit to the governor for sustaining the peace we have enjoyed over time. He is the Chief Security Officer of the state and has never for once said or done anything to heat up the polity. He is a peace-loving governor and very tolerant leader. No matter what you say, the governor will never react. He will just smile and move on. That is exemplary and I think everyone in the political space should emulate him.

April 17, 2024
Akure North backs Aiyedatiwa for APC ticket

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has received the endorsement of many All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Akure North Local Government.

He stormed Iju/Ita-Ogbolu axis in continuation of his consultations ahead of the governorship primary holding on Saturday.

On the third day of his tour, the governor received a warm welcome from enthusiastic supporters in Akure North, the political base of his campaign manager, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, and Idanre Local Government.

At Iju in Akure North, Aiyedatiwa said: “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed party leaders and commend the dedication of our party members. I encourage each of you to turn out in full strength on April 20 and cast your votes in my favour.

“Previously, I believed your support was primarily evident on social media. However, I now realise it extends beyond just the youth demographic, as our elders are also standing in my favour. I deeply appreciate the love, commitment and loyalty you have shown towards my mission to continue serving as the governor of Ondo State.

Read Also; Nigeria’s security architecture stretched beyond elastic limits, says Tinubu

“Now, I urge party members who possess membership cards to come out and vote for me this Saturday, so that we can embark on this remarkable journey together in the upcoming election in November.”

The governor visited the Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu, Oba Idowu Faborode and other traditional rulers in Akure North, where he received royal blessings.

Aiyedatiwa also led his team to pay visit to a leader of the party in the local government, Senator Nimbe Farunkanmi.

According to his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the carnival-like campaign at Idanre, headquarters of Idanre Local Government, was electrifying, as party members welcomed the governor.

On his way to the campaign venue, the governor visited the Owa of Idanre, Oba Fredrick Aroloye, appreciating the monarch for endorsing him and promising not to disappoint royal fathers.

The Owa of Idanre, represented by the Odunwo, High Chief Emmanuel Adetuyi, prayed for the governor’s success in the coming primary election of the APC.

Aiyedatiwa appreciated them for their solidarity, pledging to sustain the good governance he had started in the state.

He said: “In the brief period since taking office, you all have witnessed the significant transformation under our administration, from infrastructure to agriculture and food security, to employment of youths and security of lives and property, just to mention a few. I pledge to sustain this momentum and deliver further progress. All I ask from you is the opportunity to continue. To make this possible, I urge you to cast your votes in my favour during the primary election on Saturday.”

Party leaders who accompanied Aiyedatiwa were Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tayo Oluwatuyi, former Deputy Senate Leader Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, Amb. Olusola Iji, Awodeyi Akinsehinde Apata, Princess Omowumi Ohvoworiole, Dr. Taiwo Malumi, Dr. Victor Ategbole, Dr. Seun Osamaye (Eye Omo), Mr. Tola Awosika, Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, Biola Makinde and Bola Ilori.

April 17, 2024
Ondo 2024: Why Aiyedatiwa should drop guber ambition, by group

A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Concerned Ondo APC Youths, on Tuesday, April 16, cautioned Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over his governorship ambition.

It emphasized that the purported certificate issue against him could potentially bring further embarrassment to the party if he got the ticket.

In a statement signed by its coordinator, Alhaji Rasak Olufemi, the group urged Aiyedatiwa to prevent a recurrence of the party’s past experience in Bayelsa, emphasizing that certificate-related issues could undermine the party’s success in the November poll.

Rasak said: “We are deeply concerned by what is happening. On one hand, we are not happy that Governor Aiyedatiwa is doing everything to get the party’s ticket due to the certificate issue. As the sitting governor, he has enormous power and the weight to pull the strings but we don’t want him to jeopardise the chances of our party.

Read Also: Warm reception for Aiyedatiwa in Okitipupa

“Why is the party proposing to field a candidate who has qualification issues as grave as forgery and perjury?

“We have it on good authority that Governor Aiyedatiwa has already spent about $3.5 million to curry political favours and silence opponents before April 20, 2024, APC primaries.

“The several lawmakers gravitating towards him, the endorsements from several party groups and elders, and the Ondo APC Aborigines, led by a former ambassador to Togo, Sola Iji, got massive inducements in dollars to do so,” he added.

“What has happened to decency and integrity? When would the APC avoid controversy and stop flirting with questionable characters? Why would the party’s hierarchy want to jeopardize our chances of retaining Ondo State?”

The Concerned APC Youth, however, called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the party’s national leadership put sentiments aside in choosing the APC flagbearer for the April 25, 2024, APC primaries.

The group alleged that the Governor had “reached out” to the national working committee (NWC) of APC ahead of the primary.

“The only saving grace now, is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because even the NWC has been compromised by the Governor, who is desperate to be party candidate without looking at the general picture as, APC will definitely, lose the state to opposition is Aiyedatiwa is made the candidate ” the group insisted.

Efforts to reach Governor Aiyedatiwa or his media aides proved abortive at the time of this report.

April 16, 2024
APC chieftain Adekanmbi pledges support for Aiyedatiwa

A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Hon. Femi Adekanmbi has declared support for Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

He said the National leader of the party has directed him to support at the Governor at the primary and general elections.

A statement by Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner, said Aiyedatiwa is destined by God to lead the State at this period.

He stated that though other aspirants are qualified to lead the State destiny has placed Aiyedatiwa ahead of them.

According to him: “The Governor is doing well, and I am giving him my support to secure a fresh mandate to enable him to continue his development strides.

“I’ve directed all my team members across the State to go all out and work for him.

Read Also: Warm reception for Aiyedatiwa in Okitipupa

“Divine providence has made Aiyedatiwa the Governor of Ondo State, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.

“Our national leader has directed us to ensure not only his emergence as our candidate but the winner of the general election in November.

“Gov. Aiyedatiwa is a man of uncommon grace. He is favoured by God to lead the State and he does things that go against the natural order, suspends rules and goes against an acceptable culture or pattern for his anointed.”

He appealed to other aspirants not to see the forthcoming primary as a war but a family affair where only one person can be elected as candidate.

He urged all party members to stop the campaign of hatred among supporters of the aspirants, adding that the primary election should not divide them.

He advised Governor Aiyedatiwa to be cautious of those claiming to love him now.

“Those who have suddenly become his accidental supporters now are those that wanted him impeached before the death of Arakunrin Akeredolu our dear late Governor.

“I urge the governor to continue the good works started by him, and lay down lasting legacy for himself in the state with developmental projects and programmes,” he maintained.

April 16, 2024
Warm reception for Aiyedatiwa in Okitipupa

Supporters yesterday welcomed Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to Okitipupa in Okitipupa Local Government during his visit to solicit support for his re-election.

He was in the town to meet stakeholders as part of his tour across the state, ahead of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary scheduled for Saturday.

Thousands of supporters, who had mobilised to Idepe-Okitipupa Hall, sang praises of Aiyedatiwa and assured him of their support.

The governor, thanking the people for their support, urged them to turn out en masse to vote for him in order to emerge as the APC standard-bearer after the primary.

Read Also: Ondo guber: APC supporters in Idanre welcome Aiyedatiwa, as Adefisoye assures of landslide victory

“I am impressed with the crowd here today. I thank you for your support and solidarity for me, but I appeal to you to replicate this support for me on Saturday and cast your votes for us to be victorious.

“With your maximum votes on Saturday, I am confident of emerging as the candidate of our party and winning the governorship election to serve you beyond 2025,” Aiyedatiwa said.

The governor visited the palace of Oba Michael Adetotoye-Obatuga, the Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa, who is also the chairman, Council of Obas in Okitipupa Local Government.

Present to receive Aiyedatiwa at the palace were no fewer than 15 traditional rulers in Okitipupa Local Government.

April 16, 2024
Ondo Guber: Aiyedatiwa, Ibrahim, Akinterinwa others get certificates to contest primary Monday

Ahead of Saturday’s Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary elections, the party will tomorrow, Monday, April 15, issue a Screening Clearance Certificate to all the 16 cleared aspirants at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Senator Joshua Lidani-led 7-man screening committee on Friday night after a 7-hour screening exercise gave all the aspirants a clean bill to contest Saturday party’s primary.

The aspirants cleared include the incumbent governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, former National Vice Chairman (South West) Duerimini Isaac Kekemeke, Olusoji Adewale Ehinlanwo, a former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Olugbenga Omogbemi Edema and business magnate, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunsho.

Others are Engr. (Mrs.) Funmilayo Waheed-Adekojo, Hon. Akinfolarin Mayo Samuel, former Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Adewale Olumuyiwa Akinterinwa, legal luminary, Chief Olusola Alexander Oke, SAN, Ohunyeye Olamide Felix and Barr. Morayo Lebi.

Read Also: Yoruba Nation: Heavy security presence at Osun secretariat, Assembly over fear of invasion

Also cleared for the shadow election were Garvey Oladiran Iyanjan, Prof. Francis Adebayo Faduyile, and Engr. (Mrs) Judith Folakemi Omogoroye, President Unilag Alumni (Worldwide), Engr. Ifeoluwa Olusola Oyedele and Hon. Omo’Oba Okunjimi Odimayo John.

The Nation gathered that the Directorate of Organisation of the party on Sunday sent invites to all the aspirants for the brief on Monday where their screening clearance certificate will be issued.

National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Arugungu will present the Clearance Certificate to the aspirants by 4.00 pm at the NWC Hall of the party national headquarters in Abuja.

When contacted the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru confirmed to our correspondent that the certificate would be issued to the the 16 aspirants.

“Yes all the cleared aspirants are to be issued with a certificate tomorrow (Monday) ahead of the primary election held on Saturday,” Duru started.

Meanwhile, the party will today (Monday 15th April) hold a delegate congress in the 18 local government areas of the state ahead of the Saturday governorship shadow election to pick the party’s flag bearer for the November Ondo State governorship election.

This is in line with the amended schedule of activities and timetable for the 2024 Gubernatorial election in Ondo state.

April 14, 2024
Ondo guber: APC clears Aiyedatiwa, Ibrahim, Oke, 13 others
- PDP elects 627 delegates ahead of party’s primary
- Analysis: Who wins APC governorship ticket?
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared the coast for all its16 members jostling for the party’s governorship ticket in Ondo State in Saturday’s primaries.

They were cleared by the seven-man screening committee that interviewed them in Abuja on Friday.

Seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members are seeking the endorsement of the majority of the 627 delegates who will be voting during the party’s own primaries.

Cleared for the APC primaries by the screening committee are the incumbent governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, former National Vice Chairman (South West) Duerimini Isaac Kekemeke, Olusoji Adewale Ehinlanwo, a former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Olugbenga Omogbemi Edema and business magnate, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.

Others are Engr. (Mrs.) Funmilayo Waheed-Adekojo, Hon. Akinfolarin Mayo Samuel, former Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Adewale Olumuyiwa Akinterinwa, legal luminary, Chief Olusola Alexander Oke, SAN, Ohunyeye Olamide Felix and Barr. Morayo Lebi.

Also cleared for the shadow election are Garvey Oladiran Iyanjan, Prof. Francis Adebayo Faduyile, and Engr. (Mrs) Judith Folakemi Omogoroye, President Unilag Alumni (Worldwide), Engr. Ifeoluwa Olusola Oyedele and Hon. Omo’Oba Okunjimi Odimayo John.

The clearance of the APC aspirants was contained in a report submitted to the party by the chairman of the Committee, Senator Joshua Lidani yesterday to the Directorate of Organisation of the party.

The Nation gathered that in screening the aspirants, the committee considered their eligibility, suitability, character assessment and support verification among other requirements as prescribed by the Electoral Act and the guidelines for the election.

After over seven hours of interaction and scrutiny of documents submitted by the aspirants, the committee declared all 16 aspirants as meeting the basic requirements to contest the election.

It was further gathered that the committee in its report stated that all aspirants demonstrated their willingness to support any aspirant that emerges as the party’s standard bearer for the November 2024 gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

It then urged the party leadership to ensure that the desire and commitment of the aspirants are followed by the party hierarchy both at national and state levels to avoid any future anti-party activity.

The committee further urged the party to ensure that the April 20 primary elections are free, fair and credible with no room for imposition of candidate.

The Senator Lidani-led committee also advised the national leadership of the party to put mechanisms in place for dispute resolution before, during and after the primary election.

APC will pay if the wrong candidate is picked, group warns

A socio-political group, the Omoluabi Coalition Group, (OCG) yesterday advised the party to pick the right candidate at the Saturday primaries if it is interested in winning the November election.

It cautioned the APC against picking an unpopular candidate.

Director General of the group, Comrade Tunji Balogun, said: “Opposition parties are not sleeping. They are praying we present somebody with bad record. I am sure the APC knows what is happening. It is time for Ondo people to know who is here with Ondo people.

“We want to move the state beyond where Akeredolu left it. We are sending the strongest message to the APC. If they make the mistake, they will lose Ondo State.

“APC leadership should give us a competent and flawless candidate. They know what to do. They should do proper and due diligence investigation. They should give us Oke.

“We believe in continuation. We believe in somebody that will continue where Akeredolu stopped. We need a competent candidate.

Read Also: I am in hurry to deliver good governance, says Aiyedatiwa

“The APC should be wise in picking a candidate. The party should be diligent.

Ondo PDP elects 627 delegates ahead of primary

Members of the PDP in Ondo State have elected 627 delegates ahead of its primary scheduled for April 25.

The delegates are to elect the party’s candidate for the November governorship polls.

Ondo PDP spokesman, Kennedy Peretei, who described the delegate congress as free and fair, said delegates emerged through consensus.

He said the party concluded its delegates’ congresses by electing one person from each of the local government area.

A total of seven aspirants bought the nomination forms of the PDP.

They are Otunba Bamidele Akingboye, Hon Agboola Ajayi, Engr Adeolu Akinwumi, Chief Sola Ebiseni, John Ola Mafo, Bosun Arebuwa and Hon Kolade Akinjo.

From all indications the November election will be a two-horse race between the PDP and the ruling APC. Both parties have screened and cleared aspirants that purchased the nomination and expression of interest forms.

While the PDP will use the indirect mode of primary, the APC has opted for the direct mode.

Majority of the aspirants are from Ondo South senatorial district in line with the rotation agreement among the three senatorial zones in the state.
April 14, 2024
Ondo APC primary and Aiyedatiwa’s battles

Despite the turmoil in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, the ruling party appears poised to retain the State House in Akure. This is not surprising. Ruling parties are extremely difficult to beat, whether they are wracked by splits or weakened by ineptitude. Ondo State may again prove to be the archetype of that peculiarly dissonant kind of politics that disregards the internal combustion and failings of the ruling party. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has strangely been jinxed, unable to summon the vigour and tenacity needed to take advantage of the APC’s turbulence and weaknesses, but the ruling party has been even more unsettled as a result of the conflict that followed the sickness and passing of their former governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Both parties are unworthy of the state, but the public will focus more on the APC, believing, perhaps superstitiously, that whoever takes the governorship ticket next weekend will win the November governorship poll. They are right, except something truly seismic occurs. But in Nigeria, whose political tectonics are fairly stable, seismic activities seldom occur, not even when a daring coalition inspired by APC dreamers and upstarts demolished the complacency of the PDP in 2015.

Ondo is on the horns of a dilemma. Whatever happens in the APC primary, even if the most hated aspirant should take the ticket, they will eventually rally round their hypothetical devil rather than enable the Teflon saints of the PDP to snatch the throne. The PDP fears this sombre inevitability of APC winning despite the madness coursing through the ranks of the ruling party, and APC leaders, nearly always complacent, appear to love and embrace the fact that PDP and APC infantrymen have resigned themselves to this unwholesome possibility. While the PDP has been fairly somnolent in the struggle for the ticket between former deputy governor Agboola Ajayi and Eyitayo Jegede, the APC has spewed molten magma of hate and abuse and ladled them on every passerby. As the countdown to the primaries begins, all attention is, therefore, riveted on the APC, which indigenes expect will shape for good or bad the destiny of the state for the next four years.

There are predictably more than a dozen contestants on the APC platform. The APC is not only ruling Ondo, it is also ruling the nation. The factors of incumbencies are thus expected to be unleashed in all their fury. But of the squabbling lot, three or four contestants stand any reasonable chance of taking the APC diadem. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, yes the same vacillating, impulsive and controversial politician, leads the pack. Hard on his heels is Jimoh Ibrahim, the mercurial businessman besotted to a string of degrees from great institutions. Then coming in their wake are the lesser-known aspirants like former Finance commissioner in the state, Wale Akinterinwa, and serial contender Olusola Oke, a lawyer and senior advocate. By sheer heft and purse, the race will likely be a two-horse fight between the governor and the garlanded Mr Ibrahim. Whoever wins between the two, or even among the four, will doubtless receive total support. It is thus a waste of time trying to determine who will win. It is far better to talk about who should not win.

Both Mr Akinterinwa and Mr Oke, by their temperaments and sturdiness over the years, will make far better governors than Mr Aiyedatiwa or Mr Ibrahim. But regardless of what they do or say, and notwithstanding their amiableness and capacity, their chances are not very bright. Since he became governor, and some say even way before, Mr Aiyedatiwa has schemed for the November poll. He is thus the frontrunner, in far more advantageous position than the more resolute and relentless Mr Ibrahim. As governor, he has virtually neutralised or compromised the opposition to his assuming office. Nearly all Ondo office holders are working for him, and a sizable number of lawmakers who felt revolted by his audacious scheming have reconciled themselves to his aspiration. Mr Aiyedatiwa has retained in his cabinet nearly all the officials he inherited from the late Mr Akeredolu; their fate is now tied to his success, firstly in the party, and secondly and most implacably in the governorship poll. They may not like him, and continue to squirm over the manner he treated his benefactor, but their interests have now become coterminous with the governor’s. Convergence of interests has a way of concentrating minds and amplifying ambitions. The inherited officials are not immune to the blandishments of the governor or the perks of office and, as incurable optimists, are unconcerned about whether the governor will honour his word after the poll. Mr Aiyedatiwa’s private morality is perhaps as controversial as his public morality, but the inherited officials will give him the benefit of the doubt. He might very well be a saint.

Read Also: Ondo guber: APC screens Aiyedatiwa, Ibrahim, others

It is not impossible for Mr Ibrahim to win the primary. But that will depend on two major factors: whether he is willing to outspend the governor; or whether the APC members are sufficiently horrified by the unflattering behaviour of the governor towards his previously bedfast benefactor. The two variables are impossible to measure accurately. Unfortunately for the state, while Mr Ibrahim, should he win, will be a pig in a poke, the governor has shown little mettle and more aversion to principles. Would APC voters risk Mr Ibrahim’s behavioural unknowns or endure four years of Mr Aiyedatiwa’s dreadful judgement? No one but the APC members can tell. So, in short, Ondo APC will ruefully cast glances in the direction of Messrs Akinterinwa and Oke, but wave them away. Circumstances will make them to grimace as they weigh the governor and Mr Ibrahim on a faulty scale which poor health and death had forced Mr Akeredolu to pass on. For all his lawyerly leadership, Mr Akeredolu died intestate as far as the politics of Ondo is concerned.

It is not clear why Ondo has been repeatedly blind to Mr Oke’s huge talent; nor does anyone but Mr Akinterinwa know about his being the late governor’s legatee, as he claimed. But both politicians occupy the lower rungs in the people’s estimation. There is, however, one thing Ondo cannot pretend not to know: Mr Aiyedatiwa’s brittle personality and poor judgement. The APC members may discount his lack of finesse and judgement, but they cannot say their connivance would not cost them dearly. If they were made of sterner stuff than the rest of the Nigerian electorate, they would repudiate the governor with all their might and all their being, and opt for a safer and more predictable future for their state. Former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike bemoans the duplicity of his successor Siminalayi Fubara, deploring the latter’s lack of gratitude. In Ondo, while the hapless Mr Akeredolu pined away on sick bed, Mr Aiyedatiwa exhibited a part of him to the world which discomfited the entire state, including the opposition, and left the ruling party truly flummoxed. Had he behaved most inspiringly, observing due political etiquette in all its grand ramifications, he would have made his election both at the primary and governorship levels a fait accompli. Should Ondo APC endorse him this weekend after all of him has been exposed in disquieting colours, the party will not get a second chance to deplore his fecklessness or show their aversion to his vulgarity.

April 14, 2024