Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, on Thursday, dismissed the threat of the 15 governorship aspirants vying for the ticket of All Progressives Congress ahead of the April 20 primary.
Aiyedatiwa, buoyed by the support of community elders and recent endorsement of the state lawmakers, told journalists after he submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, said he remained the aspirant to in the shadow poll.
The governor will square up against the senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Jimoh Ibrahim; APC stalwart, Olusola Oke; former president of Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Francis Faduyile; Dr Funmi Waheed-Adekojo and the APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), Isaacs Kekemeke.
Others in the race are Akinfolarin Samuel, Olusoji Ehinlanwo, Okunjimi Odimayo, Adewale Akinterinwa, Olugbenga Edema, Ohunyeye Olamide, Morayo Lebi, Garvey Oladiran Iyanjan and Ifeoluwa Oyedele.
Aiyedatiwa, who said he was not afraid of his co-contestants,said, “I am aware we have 15 other aspirants jostling for this same office. They are also eminently qualified. Let me say it here that I respect all of them. But we know ourselves. They have been around. We know who they are and what they can do. They are illustrious sons and daughters 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.’’
“In the last few years, I have acted in the capacity of 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 desire to contest was in response to the yearning and aspiration of my people. The artisans, women, students and traditional rulers want me to continue as governor of the state. They have observed and identified that within a short period of my assumption of office. They could see all I have done in office in three months. On the basis 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, Ondo State chapter of APC has warned supporters of aspirants against divisive utterances and actions, ahead of the primary slated for this month.
In a statement issued by the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Alex Kalejaiye, on Thursday, the party Chairman, Mr Ade Adetimehin, condemned a group called The APC Aborigines, who are backing Aiyedatiwa, describing the idea of constituting a group as at this time as unnecessary.
Adetimehin said, “The chapter is for all and would continue to encourage equal opportunities for all the members. New members should entertain no fears in this regards.
“Ondo State is known for organisation and enviable political history that should be demonstrated at critical moments. We own it a duty to showcase the rare ability to go into any contest without rancour.”
But reacting, the APC Aborigines said their preference for Aiyedatiwa could not divide the party, but for the sake of party members.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr Bola Ilori, said, “Nobody can deny that we are major stakeholders in the party and we have made the party welcoming to all joiners, but promoting the idea that the founders are irrelevant is the main reason of our coming together. We want a governor we know, a governor we can talk to and a governor that will respect our opinion.
“While individuals (the state chairman inclusive) have the legitimate right to be bothered about the fate of their preferred candidate, we are bothered about the fate of the party. We have provided a guide for our followers and the general members of the party 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 actually done his work well would not be frightened by Aborigines’ endorsement or not. Let’s all resolve to work with whoever emerges.”