2023 Election: Aspirants In Ondo Defy Governor, Insist On Primary Election

By Ayodele Oni

Aspirants jostling for various political positions during next year’s general elections in Ondo state have turned down the plea by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to produce consensus candidates among themselves.

The aspirants, after series of meetings with the Governor and leadership of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) in the state refused to step down for anyone among them insisting on primary election.

Next year’s election in the state will produce candidates for the three Senatorial seats, nine House of Representatives and 26 members for the State House of Assembly.

The Governor, at a meeting in Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure had called on all National and State Assembly aspirants from the State to discuss a way forward in ensuring APC win across the State.

The Governor, who had assured aspirants that there would be a level-playing field, advised that they do not have to all enter into the race in such a large number.

He, however, called for negotiation and consideration of consensus where applicable.

In another strategic meeting with the State Working Committee, Party Leaders and Stakeholders, the Governor alongside the State Party Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, after deliberation, had thrown open some Senatorial Districts, Federal and State Constituencies for a contest among the aspirants due to disagreement.

At the meeting, the Leader of the party in the State mandated that a very transparent and fair Primaries be conducted owing to the fact that a consensus could not be reached in the aforementioned Senatorial districts, Federal and State Constituencies.

He urged all party delegates to exercise their franchise and present the best candidate and party flagbearer at the polls.

The Districts and Constituencies opened for contest are; Ondo Central, Ondo South Senatorial districts, Ileoluji/Okeigbo & Odigbo Federal Constituency,

Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency, Ile-oluji/Okeigbo Constituency, State House of Assembly.

Others are Odigbo Constituency one, and Akure South Constituency one, State House of Assembly.

The leadership of the APC in the state has warned that “On this note, it is now imperative to call the attention of all party leaders and stakeholders in the state to adhere to Mr. Governor’s decision and charge our delegates to act in the interest of the party so that credible aspirants who will win for the party in the general election can emerge.

“Governor Akeredolu is known for his fearless stances and Talk and Do beliefs. He has repeatedly called for fairness, equity and justice for all interests even beyond the shore of Ondo State.

“It is consequently believed that Mr Governor’s decisions shall be strictly followed by the party leadership in the State and unarguably gives room for a level-plain ground contrary to the imposition rumours in some baseless quarters.”