The APC primaries for the gubernatorial race open today in Ondo State, where sixteen aspirants will be racing to clinch the ticket to become the APC governorship candidate in the state.
Today’s primary election will feature 171,922 members of the ruling party, chosen from the 203 wards of the state’s 18 local government regions.
They include They are Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim; the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olusola Oke; the former President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Francis Faduyile; Dr. Funmi Waheed-Adekojo; and the APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), Isaacs Kekemeke; Dr. Soji Ehinlanwo; Akinfolarin Samuel; Okunjimi Odimayo; Adewale Akinterinwa; Olugbenga Oedema; Gen. Ohunyeye Olamide; Morayo Lebi; Garvey Oladiran Iyanjan; and Ifeoluwa Oyedele.
Aiyedatiwa has the advantage because he is the incumbent and has the support of most state legislators as well as traditional leaders.
In one of his interviews, he noted: “Throughout this campaign journey, the immense support I’ve garnered stresses the resounding desire of the people of Ondo State for continuity. This affirmation is rooted in the remarkable progress achieved during the short period we have spent in office. The people of Ondo State yearn for the continuation of this positive trajectory, and it is evident that they believe I am the right candidate to lead this charge.
“Therefore, I urge everyone to identify with me in their various wards on Saturday so that the developmental phase we have embarked on can continue. Let us ensure that our collective voices are heard loud and clear.”
However, other contestants are equally confident. Will the power of incumbency and the seemingly strong support of the people catapult him to the front lines or throw him where he belongs?
By Chidimma NWAFOR
