Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State rejected the warning of the 15 people competing for the All Progressives Congress ticket before the primary on April 20.
Aiyedatiwa, encouraged by the backing of community elders and recent approval from the state lawmakers, told reporters after submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, that he remained the top candidate in the shadow poll.
The governor will compete against Jimoh Ibrahim, the senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District; Olusola Oke, a prominent APC member; Prof. Francis Faduyile, former president of Nigerian Medical Association; Dr Funmi Waheed-Adekojo; and Isaacs Kekemeke, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-West).
Other contenders include Akinfolarin Samuel, Olusoji Ehinlanwo, Okunjimi Odimayo, Adewale Akinterinwa, Olugbenga Edema, Ohunyeye Olamide, Morayo Lebi, Garvey Oladiran Iyanjan and Ifeoluwa Oyedele.
Aiyedatiwa, who stated he was not worried about his co-contestants, remarked, “I am aware we have 15 other aspirants vying for this same office. They are also highly qualified. Let me say it here that I respect all of them. But we know each other. They have been in the field. We know who they are and what they are capable of. They are distinguished individuals of the land. But I can tell you there is nothing to fear.
“I can tell you, the people of Ondo State know what and who they want. Like I said, the youth, women, traders, farmers, artisans and Ondo workers are all calling for me to continue. Those are the people who will determine who wins the election. I have no fear because they are already speaking. In fact, they have spoken. So there is nothing to fear.’’
“Over the past few years, I have served as deputy governor and acting governor in 2021 and 2023. Now, I am the governor. I am just about 100 days in office today or tomorrow. I am just about three months in office.
“My decision to run was in response to the desires and hopes of my people. The artisans, women, students and traditional rulers want me to continue as governor of the state. They have noticed and acknowledged what I have achieved in office in three months. Because of that, they demanded across all the local governments that I should continue as governor of the state. And I cannot do that without going through the process.”
Meanwhile, the Ondo State chapter of APC has cautioned supporters of candidates against creating division in their speech and actions, before the primary scheduled for this month.
In a statement released by the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Alex Kalejaiye, on Thursday, the party Chairman, Mr Ade Adetimehin, criticized a group called The APC Aborigines, who are endorsing Aiyedatiwa, describing forming a group at this time as unnecessary.
Adetimehin said, “The chapter is for all and would continue to promote equal opportunities for all the members. New members should not be concerned about this.
“Ondo State is famous for its well-organised and admirable political history, which should be displayed during important times. It is our responsibility to demonstrate the rare ability to enter any competition without conflict.”
But in response, the APC Aborigines stated that their choice of Aiyedatiwa would not cause division in the party, but would be for the benefit of party members.
Representing the group, Mr Bola Ilori said, “It cannot be denied that we are major stakeholders in the party and we have made the party open to all new members, but the main reason for our unity is the promotion of the idea that the founders are still relevant. We want a governor we know, a governor we can communicate with, and a governor who will respect our opinion.
“While individuals, including the state chairman, have the right to be concerned about their preferred candidate, we are concerned about the party's fate. We have provided guidance to our followers and the general party members within and outside the state. However, all Ondo APC members will make the choice. We have not disqualified anyone, so democracy will still prevail. Any aspirant who has performed well should not be intimidated by the Aborigines’ endorsement or lack of it. Let’s all agree to work with whoever is selected.”
