In a surprising turn of events in Ondo State, some governorship aspirants have raised concerns over the recent endorsement of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa by a group of elders from the All Progressives Congress (APC). The aspirants, under the banner of APC Aborigines, have criticized the elders for their lack of authority in screening and adopting a candidate.
Wale Akinterinwa, one of the aspirants, condemned the endorsement as a deceitful and short-lived gesture. He expressed his disappointment, labeling the move as a mere facade that would not stand the test of time. Similarly, Segun Ajiboye, the spokesperson for the Akinterinwa Campaign Organisation, pointed out the longstanding allegiance of the elders to Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Adding to the dissenting voices, Ojo Oyewamide, representing the Olusola Oke Campaign, dismissed the endorsement as a caricature of true support. He highlighted the evident bias towards Governor Aiyedatiwa, noting the presence of key figures like Ambassador Sola Iji and Senator Ajayi Boroffice at the governor’s declaration event in Akure.
The elders justified their decision by citing Governor Aiyedatiwa’s remarkable achievements in the state since assuming office. According to Sola Iji, the former Ambassador to Togo and leader of the endorsing group, a thorough evaluation and screening process led to the selection of Aiyedatiwa as the preferred candidate. The late Paul Akintelure and Akinterinwa were also recognized as top contenders in the assessment, with Aiyedatiwa emerging with the highest score of 777 points.
As the political landscape in Ondo State continues to evolve, the rift between the governorship aspirants and the endorsing elders underscores the complexities of party dynamics and power struggles. The upcoming primaries of the APC promise to be a battleground where ambition clashes with loyalty, and alliances are tested in the pursuit of political dominance. Stay tuned as the race for the governorship seat unfolds, revealing the true contenders for leadership in Ondo State.
