The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reassured the 16 contenders vying for its ticket in the upcoming November 16, 2024 Ondo state governorship election that it will conduct a fair, transparent primary election on April 20. Nze Chidi Duru, the APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, provided this assurance following the closure of the submission of expression of interest and nomination forms by the 16 aspirants at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja over the weekend.
Duru emphasized the party’s commitment to fairness, stating that out of the 16 contenders, only one would emerge victorious, while the others could congratulate the winner, similar to what occurred recently in Edo state.
He expressed confidence in the APC’s ability to retain Ondo state and reclaim Edo in the upcoming governorship elections. Duru also announced that the contestants would be informed on Monday which syndicate they belong to for the screening exercise scheduled between April 11 and 12.
Meanwhile, one of the APC governorship aspirants, Olusola Oke (SAN), dismissed rumors of the alleged endorsement of the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the party’s candidate for the polls. Oke asserted his qualifications for the race and pledged to focus on reviving agriculture, technical education, and the economy if elected as governor.
Similarly, another contender, Ifeoluwa Oyedele, refuted speculations of President Tinubu’s alleged endorsement of Aiyedatiwa. Oyedele expressed confidence in his candidacy and promised to prioritize industrial revolution, education, power supply, and security if elected.
Among the aspirants who have purchased forms are the incumbent Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayiedatiwa, business mogul and senator representing Ondo South district, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim, notable APC chieftain Chief Olusola Oke, former President of the Nigerian Medical Association Prof. Francis Faduyile, Dr. Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, and APC National Vice Chairman (SouthWest) Isaac Kekemeke, among others.
Some of the aspirants shared their expectations from the national secretariat of the party before and during the primary election. They anticipate a level playing field, free, fair, and credible elections, and thorough screening processes to ensure transparency and integrity in the selection of the party’s candidate for the November governorship poll.
