Others are Dr Soji Ehinlanwo, Akinfolarin Samuel, Okunjimi
Odimayo, Adewale Akinterinwa, Olugbenga Edema, Gen. Ohunyeye Olamide, Morayo
Lebi, Garvey Oladiran Iyanjan, and Ifeoluwa Oyedele.
Aiyedatiwa, who is riding into the fray on the back of
incumbency and strings of endorsements from traditional rulers and the majority
of state lawmakers, holds the ace.
In an interview with our correspondent, the governor’s Chief
Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said, “We are not under any pressure. The
primary is just in 24 hours. I am sure by then, everybody will know where they
belong.”
On the mood in the governor’s camp, he described it as
normal.
“This is not about mood. The reality will be on the field
tomorrow. He is the governor. There is nothing to worry about,” he stated.
Aiyedatiwa, who concluded his campaign tour in three council
areas of Akoko North West, Akoko North East, and Akoko South on Friday, had
told newsmen that he still enjoys the support of the people.
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 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.”
But another contestant, Ibrahim, who spoke at the party’s
national secretariat in Abuja few days ago, warned that an endorsement does not
win anybody an election.
The senator also said the governor and other aspirants know
he is the most qualified, as he has been in the race as far back as 2003 when
he contested with the likes of the late former governors, Olusegun Agagu and
Adebayo Adefarati.
Another contestant, Akinterinwa, also ended his campaign
tour at his Ile-Oluji hometown where he promised to be true to his campaign
promises ahead of Saturday’s party primary.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Akinterinwa exuded
confidence, saying he expected nothing short of victory at the poll.
He said, “Ondo people want somebody knowledgeable, who has
the capacity, somebody who has been around long enough, whom they know and who
has been in government that they can fraternise with.
“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 expect that on Saturday, we will come out as winners of the
primaries. By the grace of God, I won’t be surprised if other aspirants start stepping
down for me. Some of them (aspirants) are already reaching out to me.”
A female contestant, Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, has announced
that she is willing to step down if the APC calls for it.
She disclosed this to journalists at a media parley in Akure,
the state capital on Friday.
She said, “I will step down for my loyalty to the party. If
the party asked me, I would do so. Wherever the party goes, I will go. I came
out based on the passion I have for people. No one asked me to contest. I am
not going to bribe anybody.
“Without mincing words, this concept of rotation has
regrettably become a hindrance to progress. One of its errors is that it
prioritises political permutation over meritocracy and competence.”
Another governorship aspirant, who seems to be defying the
odds in the last few weeks, is Oke.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria is coming into the contest on
the back of a string of endorsements from some traditional chiefs and the
popular Omoluabi Indigene group.
Two days ago, the campaign organisation of the late Dr Paul
Akintelure, who was also a governorship contender until he died on March 24
after a brief illness, collapsed its structure to join forces with Oke’s camp
The move was confirmed in a statement jointly signed by the
Director General and General Secretary of the group, Dr. Bello Adeluse Obe and
Mrs Usor Eteng, respectively.
The group, which directed all its members across the 18
local government areas of the state to vote for Oke, said the development
became necessary to ensure his victory in Saturday’s governorship election.
