The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State is gearing up for its governorship primary, where 171,922 delegates drawn from the 203 wards in the 18 local government areas of the state will decide the party’s flagbearer for the November 16 governorship election.
The incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, faces stiff competition from 15 other aspirants, including Wale Akinterinwa, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Olusola Oke, Prof Francis Faduyile, Dr Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, and Mayowa Akinfolarin.
Other aspirants in the race are Olusoji Ehinlanwo, Okunjimi Odimayo, Isaac Kekemeke, Olugbenga Edema, Gen Ohunyeye Olamide (retd), Morayo Lebi, Garvey Oladiran Iyantan, and Ifeoluwa Oyedele.
Political observers attribute the high number of aspirants to the prevailing sentiment that it is the turn of the southern part of the state to produce the next governor. Although there’s no formal rotational agreement within the party, this sentiment is strong.
The delegates must weigh whether Governor Aiyedatiwa has done enough to earn their support for re-election or if a new face among the aspirants should be given the opportunity to contest for the state’s top job.
Incumbent Governor Aiyedatiwa, who assumed office following the demise of his principal, Rotimi Akeredolu, enjoys a wave of endorsements from various political and influential groups within and outside the party, making him a formidable contender.
Wale Akinterinwa, the immediate past commissioner for finance in the state, holds a prominent position among the aspirants. He secured the endorsement of the late Akeredolu before his demise and enjoys support from the former governor’s political family and foot soldiers.
Olusola Oke, one of the oldest and most experienced contenders, has a solid support base within the party. Despite several failed attempts at leading the state, his political credentials and contributions have earned him significant popularity, especially in the southern district, which has been clamoring for the governorship seat.
Despite his political background, Oke may need the endorsement of the Abuja power bloc to fulfill his aspiration of becoming governor.
The party’s embattled national chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has urged the seven-member governorship primary election committee, headed by Kogi State governor, Usman Ododo, to collaborate and ensure a hitch-free process. The outcome of the primary is pivotal, as whoever emerges as the APC candidate is likely to be a strong contender in the November governorship election.
