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  • Akintelure’s family denies endorsing anyone as Ondo Gov

    Akintelure’s family denies endorsing anyone as Ondo Gov

    The family of late Dr Paul Akintelure has denied endorsing any All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ondo State. 

    Akintelure’s family made this clarification in a statement by his brother, Oladapo Akintelure, in Abuja.  

    The late Akintelure was one of the frontline governorship aspirants of the APC in Ondo State before his demise on Tuesday March 26, 2024.

    Akintelure’s death occurred amid preparations for the APC governorship primary election scheduled for April 25.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the family of late Otunba Dr. Paul Akintelure (DPA) has been drawn to various media reports on purported endorsements of Gubernatorial Aspirants of the All Progressives Congress vying for the party’s candidacy in the upcoming governorship elections of the state. 

    “We wish to unequivocally state that the DPA family is neither directly nor indirectly involved in these acts of political endorsements. 

    “We have not directed anybody or any group to engage in such endorsements in the name of the family or in the name of our late icon Dr. Paul Akintelure (DPA). 

    “We vehemently disapprove of any individual or group endorsing aspirants in the name of DPA structure, and we urge them to desist from such actions.

    “We are aware that the forthcoming primary election is of great importance to all indigenes and non-indigenes of Ondo state alike. 

    “This primary election marks the first step in democratically selecting a preferred candidate who will champion the developmental course of Ondo state. 

    “We also recognize that loyalists, supporters, and friends of DPA, who collectively form the DPA Structure, will have a keen desire to participate in this democratic process of the APC primary election.

    Read Also: Ondo APC primary: Late Akintelure campaign team joins Oke team

    “Please exercise your franchise freely and legitimately in your best interest and that of our dear Sunshine State as individuals, but not in the name of DPA or its structure whatsoever.

    “Thank you for your support as we prepare to bid farewell to our dearly beloved DPA.”

  • Aiyedatiwa, Oke mourn Akintelure

    Aiyedatiwa, Oke mourn Akintelure

    • Aspirant dies three days after crying out over threat to life

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has expressed sadness about the death of Dr. Paul Akintelure, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant.

    Akintelure’s death was announced by the family spokesperson, Mr. Oladapo Akintelure, in a statement yesterday in Akure.

    The statement, titled: ‘Akintelure takes a bow’, said Akintelure, who died at 61, was a medical doctor, philanthropist, an APC aspirant and Ondo State deputy governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2012.

    “Dr. Akintelure departed from us early this morning in Lagos, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and commitment to the people of Ondo State.

    “As a family, we understand his sudden enigmatic demise has left a void in our hearts, and that of his friends, associates, supporters and political loyalists.

    “It is in light of this, we seek calm and, most importantly, your prayers, as we jointly pray for the repose of the soul of Dr. Akintelure,” the statement said.

    Aiyedatiwa, in a statement by his spokesperson, Ebenezer Adeniyan, in Akure, described the death of Akintelure as shocking and devastating.

    Read Also: Power sector worse off 12 years after privatisation – NLC

    The governor commiserated with the Akintelure family, the people of Okitipupa Local Government and “the progressives fold in Ondo State”.

    “Akintelure was a wonderful human being and was a core progressive. He was very consistent and loyal to the tenets of progressive politics in Ondo State and Nigeria.

    “He was a friend and associate. He conducted his private business and public affairs with so much decorum and humility to the admiration of many.

    “We have lost a complete gentleman. He will be greatly missed,” the governor said.

    According to Aiyedatiwa, “the death of Akintelure at this critical time in the life of the state is saddening.”

    Another APC governorship aspirant, Chief Olusola Oke, described Akintelure’s passing as “a further depletion of the clan of the finest in the politics of the country”.

    Oke, in a statement he signed, said Akintelure enriched politics with dignity and decency.

    “It is my prayer that the departed shall find repose in the bosom of the Lord Almighty.

    “May God give all members of his immediate family, friends and political associates the fortitude to handle the great loss,” he said.

    Akintelure died in a hospital in Lagos State.He had three days ago issued a statement wherein he raised the alarm of threat to his life.

    He, however, said he remained undeterred, in the pursuit of his ambition.

  • Ondo 2024: APC Aborigines declines to name preferred candidate over Akintelure’s death

    Ondo 2024: APC Aborigines declines to name preferred candidate over Akintelure’s death

    Some elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state under the auspices of Ondo APC Aborigines have declined to name their preferred candidate following the death of Paul Akintelure.

    Dr. Akintelure was one of the three top aspirants selected by APC Aborigines.

    Others were Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Wale Akinterinwa.

    The APC Aborigines had fixed Tuesday, March 26, to pick one out of the top three as the aspirant to be supported to win the APC primary scheduled for April 25th.

    Leader of the Aborigines, Ambassador Sola Iji, said the group opted not to name their preferred aspirant in honour of Akintelure.

    He disclosed that Akintelure made it to the top three and that chances were high that he (Akintelure) could have been picked.

    Read Also: What to know about late Ondo APC Gov aspirant Akintelure

    He said: “Today’s meeting was to receive and adopt the final report of the resolution of the group in supporting one of the aspirants. We were shocked earlier this morning when we learnt of the death of Dr. Paul Akintelure. We have to suspend our meeting to seize the opportunity to mourn his demise.

    “Akintelure contributed to the development of the party. He was a simple man. A few days back he spoke out about the threat to his life. If he so expresses that threat, even though we do not know the details, we call on the Governor to take steps to unravel whatever mystery surrounding his death.

    “It is part of the responsibility of government to protect lives and property. We have adjourned till another date to discuss.

    “He was one of those recommended by the Committee. Chances are he could have been the preferred aspirant.”

  • Ondo 2024: Aiyedatiwa, APC, others mourn Akintelure

    Ondo 2024: Aiyedatiwa, APC, others mourn Akintelure

    The family of the late Ondo politician and governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Paul Akintelure, has described him as a visionary leader who believed in the potential of the state and its people.

    The spokesman of the family, Oladapo Akintelure, in a statement issued in Akure, said Dr. Akintelure died in the early hours of Tuesday, March 26, after a brief illness.

    The statement said the late Akintelure advocated for positive change, economic development, social progress, and a brighter future for all citizens.

    It said Akintelure left behind a legacy of service, dedication, and commitment to the people of Ondo State.

    He said: “Akintelure’s passion for public service and his unwavering determination to make a difference will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and may his legacy continue to inspire us all to strive for a better tomorrow.

    “He was not just a politician; he was a visionary leader who believed in the potential of Ondo State and its people. Throughout the peaceful conduct of his campaign, he advocated for positive change, economic development, and social progress, promising a brighter future for all citizens.

    “As a family, we understand his sudden enigmatic demise has left a void in our hearts, that of his friends, associates, supporters, and political loyalists. It is in light of this, we seek calm and, most importantly, your prayers, as we jointly pray for the repose of the soul of Dr. Paul Akintelure.”

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on his part, commiserated with the Akintelure family, the people of Okitipupa local government area and the progressive fold in Ondo state.

    Aiyedatiwa described the late Akintelure as a core progressive who was very consistent and loyal to the tenets of progressive politics in the country.

    The governor said: “He was a friend and associate. He conducted his private business and public affairs with so much decorum and humility to the admiration of many. We have lost a complete gentleman. He will be greatly missed.”

    Other governorship aspirants who expressed shock at the death of Akintelure were Hon Olugbenga Edema, Prof. Dayo Faduyile, and Mayowa Akinfolarin.

    Edema urged his supporters to suspend all political campaign activities across the state.

    He said the decision to put the campaign on hold underscored the gravity of the loss and the importance of honouring Akintelure’s memory during this challenging period.

    Read Also: What to know about late Ondo APC Gov aspirant Akintelure

    “Akintelure’s dedication to the people of Ondo state was unwavering, and his passion for positive change was truly inspiring.”

    The state chairman of Ondo APC, Ade Adetimehin, described the late Akintelure as a highly refined and consistent political figure.

    He said Akintelure believed that the essence of being in politics was to build the people and the land.

    He stated: “The contributions of the departed political leader, to the development and stability of the Ondo state chapter of APC will not be forgotten.”

  • Ondo APC mourns passing of governorship aspirant, Akintelure

    Ondo APC mourns passing of governorship aspirant, Akintelure

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has expressed sadness over the death of one of its gubernatorial aspirants, Dr Paul Akintelure.

    Akintelure, a medical doctor from Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state, died in the early hours of Tuesday in Lagos during a brief illness.

    Expressing grief, Mr Ade Adetimehin, the state Chairman of APC, in a statement in Akure, described the deceased as personal friend, with whom he had good relationship over the years, saying the news was shocking.

    Adetimehin said that Akintelure was a governorship aspirant, getting ready to participate in the party’s primary scheduled for April.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Ondo APC Gov aspirant dies three days after alleging threat to life

    According to him, Akintelure was a highly refined and consistent political figure, whose position for being in politics is to build the people and the state.

    The party’s chairman added that the contributions of the departed political leader, to the development and stability of APC in the state would not be forgotten.

    “Like other governorship aspirants, he was optimistic of victory, come April. He had many other plans, death was never part of them.

    “The State chapter condoles with the immediate family, Igbotako Community, his political associates, and the Nigerian Medical Association. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

    (NAN) 

  • Youths back Akintelure

    Youths back Akintelure

    Youth group under All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Concerned Youth (OSCY) has endorsed Dr. Paul Akintelure as governor of Ondo State ahead of November 16 election.

    Spokesperson, Dr. Oluseyi Ajao addressing journalists in Abuja, said the aspirant is a founding member of the party, a former senatorial candidate and former deputy governorship candidate in then ACN in Ondo State.

    Ajao noted the aspirant has shown how he would tackle  issues troubling the state, especially job creation, women and youth development, as well as security.

    He said Akintelure is youth friendly who agreed to pick a youth as his running mate and cede 60 per cent of slots in his exco to young people to prepare them for leadership.

    Ajao called on APC to understand that leadership responsibilities must transit from one generation to another, otherwise, there will be a vacuum in leadership which frustrates young people and pushes young people into crime.

    He said: “Politically, Akintelure remains a stalwart, especially in our party. He is a founding member of this party, a former senatorial candidate and a former deputy governorship candidate in then ACN in Ondo State…’’

    ‘’He eloquently and confidently expressed his vision for Ondo State and his plans towards job creation, civil service reforms, staff welfare, women empowerment, youth empowerment and even upscaling private sector performance in Ondo State.

    “It is also important to note that Dr. Paul Akintelure is amazingly youth-friendly. In our dialogue with him, he agreed to pick a youth as his running mate and also cede 60 percent of the slots in his cabinet to young people in a bid to prepare them for leadership in the future”, he said.

    ‘’He has been through it all, he is a son of the soil and he strongly understands where the shoe pinches as it concerns Ondo State’’.

  • Akintelure, Akinyinka back Abraham for APC ticket

    Akintelure, Akinyinka back Abraham for APC ticket

    Two aspirants yesterday stepped down for Dr Olusegun Abraham in the bid for Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate ticket.

    Mr Akinnola Akinyinka (Ondo Central) and Dr Paul Akintelure(Ondo South) announced that they had dropped out of the race to back Abraham to pick the ticket in tomorrow’s primary.

    Akintelure, the running mate to Mr Rotimi Akeredolu in the 2012 governorship race, said: “People have asked me why I stepped down to support Dr. Abraham as our next governor of Ondo State, and all of the time, I give them a simple response, Ondo State must work”.

    “I’ve said it countless times that the reason why the party leadership, myself, some of the other aspirants and a majority of the delegates embrace Abraham is because of the fact that he practically understands the politics of economy, the thing that Ondo needs. A lot of people are neck deep into the politics of power in Ondo State, but, what we need is someone who understands the politics of economy, and in Abraham, we have that person”.

    “Abraham is tested, he is competent, he also has the courage to lift Ondo from this doldrum to Eldorado. It is evident in his antecedent and expertise, and for the interest of Ondo and her own, I support him to be the next Governor of Ondo State”.

    Akinnola said: “when I took the decision to join this race, I had a clear vision and desire in my mind for Ondo state and her people. A desire of transformative change that will make Ondo State become a state where things work, where the lives of the people are truly transformed for good. I was prepared to use my experience in business, infrastructure and expertise as a professional engineer to make this happen. Today, as I step down to throw my weight behind the candidacy of Olusegun Abraham, an astute man with a similar vision, I am confident, I have every confidence, that this vision to make Ondo truly transformed is intact”.

    He added: “We all know that Abraham is an accomplished technocrat, a very successful businessman and a practising engineer who also has an understanding of the capital market, he has the abundant exposure and core expertise to make transformation happen in Ondo State. I am happy to back him and I promise to give maximum support to ensure victory on Saturday.

    According to field reports, other aspirants who have joined the Abraham camp include: Adesida-Abiodun Aderin, Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa Akintola (Apata), and Akinrinsola Odumayo (Kabonti).

    Abraham promised to work with the aspirants and in line with the progressive manifesto of the party, to bring what he termed as “complete transformation” of the state.

    He said:”You can see the array of aspirants gunning to govern Ondo, professionals in their own rights. Dr. Paul is a successful medical practitioner with vested interests in other developmental fields, while Hon. Akinnola is a professional engineer who understands infrastructural development. With this set of people, our state, under the progressive government is set to undergo complete transformation, economically, in terms of infrastructure and as touching the welfare of the people”.

    “As I’ve always said, it is time to embrace discerment and discard sentimemts, and then, employ experience, expertise, and exposure to lift Ondo out of squalor into buoyancy. Ondo is too blessed to be wallowing in this pool of poverty, owing salaries, accruing debts, and all. The plan is simple, revive our economy in practical terms, using what we have to become what we deserve to be”.

  • Vote for Abraham, Akintelure, Akinola urge delegates

    The former deputy governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the last governorship poll, Dr Paul Akintelure, and Akinyinka Akinola have urged delegates to vote for Dr. Olusegun Abraham.

    Abrahama, a businessman from the North Senatorial District, has been endorsed by many top leaders of the party.

    The strong backing for Abraham has generated a lot of ripples among the aspirants, culminating in the purported removal of the chairman of the party, Chief Isaac Kekemeke.

    But, the national leadership has have settled the rift.

    At a joint meeting that lasted for hours at Segun Abraham’s house in Akure, Akintelure, who was the running mate Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, reiterated his belief in the ability of Abraham to deliver the state from ruin.

    He said the realignment was a fallout of the swift intervention of the National Executive Council of the party to resolve the seemingly intractable crisis in the party among the contending forces to douse the tension and buoy the party’s strength to win the poll.

    Akintelure, who hails from Okitipupa, Ondo South Senatorial District, said every staunch member of the party must make sacrifice for the APC to emerge victorious in the election.

    He said: “This is a sacrifice every reliable member of the party must make for us to win this election. We must be cohesive and formidable enough to confront the PDP. No reasonable politician and opposition party will go into a poll with a polarized house, this is illogical and it doesn’t appeal to commonsense.

    “Aside from that, Mr Abraham is a man of impeccable character. He has remained steadfast in the progressive fold since 1999, when the Alliance for Democracy was formed. And in 2012, he stepped down for ACN Candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu, so the time has come for him to reap the fruit of his labour.

    “Abraham served in the government of the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati. He understands the terrain and Ondo Economic strength and weaknesses, so I have no doubt that he has the capacity to rejuvenate Ondo’s economy and make it the economic hub in southwest Nigeria unlike what we are witnessing now under Governor Mimiko”, he said.

    Also, Akinola, from Ondo town, Ondo Central Senatorial district, said he took the action in the spirit of sportsmanship and reconciliation in APC and to further exhibit his avowed commitment to the course of the party.

  • Akintelure gets nod as deputy

    Akintelure gets nod as deputy

    A group, Ondo Progressives Movement (OPM), has called on All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders to give “automatic deputy governorship ticket to Dr. Paul Akintelure” for dropping his ambition in the interest of peace.

    Addressing news conference yesterday in Akure,  the state capital,  its coordinator,  Oke Oyelehin, said Akintelure deserves to clinch the deputy governor ticket because of his popularity and love for the party.

    Oyelehin said the APC must allow someone like Akintelure to be the running mate of any aspirant, who becomes candidate.

    “Akintelure has paid his dues, and is versed in the politics of the  state.

    “Akintelure displayed a good spirit of a loyal party man by stepping down from the race to ensure peace reigns.

    “In 2011, he was the only one financing the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the southern senatorial district.

    “He has been a consistence progressive politician, who has contributed immensely to the development of his community.

    “He is a man, who has never disrespected the party leadership before and very dedicated to the progress of the party,” the group said.

    “We believe that he has the political and academic experience to assist who emerges as the party’s candidate to win the November 26 governorship election and assist such governor to succeed in his regime.

    “The emergence of Akintelure would also make it an easy ride for the party in the southern senatorial district during the poll.”

     

  • No security here, says Akintelure

    THE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Deputy Governorship candidate, Dr. Paul Akintelure, criticised the Election Day security arrangement at his polling unit yesterday. He spoke to reporters after casting his ballot.

    “As can you see, there is no security on ground. There is no single armed security agent on ground to safeguard lives and properties and ensure things do not go out of hand.

    “Unlike what we saw yesterday in the display of retinue of security agents on major roads, there is a radical departure from what we saw yesterday. I am very suspicious of this because it is happening when the real voting is about to start.

    “I hope things will continue peacefully but should there be chaos, I don’t know how peace can be guaranteed here. I call on INEC chair Jega, the Inspector General of Police to deploy security personnel to Igbotako, Ilu-titun, Okitipupa, Ikoya, Iju-Odo, Erekiti, Omotosho and the so called ‘big route 49’.

    “After several years of democracy, we should be mature enough to desist from act that would make us a laughing stock at international level. It is disappointing because my party is irrevocably committed to electoral reforms and ensuring that individual happiness of all Nigerians. The electorate know they want a change and that is why you see this level of turn out.”

    Akintelure voted at Ward 2, polling unit 13, Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Council.