Uncertainty looms within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State as the April APC primaries draw near.
With no clear direction from President Bola Tinubu, who holds considerable influence over the choice of the next governor, candidates vying for the position are left in limbo. The sudden death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, the party’s leader in the state, has further complicated matters.
Akeredolu’s demise has thrown potential successors into disarray, depriving them of his coveted endorsement. Recent developments in the state have also disrupted political calculations ahead of the forthcoming APC primaries.
Despite claims by some aspirants of endorsement by the late governor, responses from Akeredolu’s aides have dismissed these assertions as baseless.
The absence of Akeredolu, a pivotal figure in the state’s APC, has shifted focus to Abuja for guidance. The party in Ondo State now appears adrift following Akeredolu’s demise.
Over eleven aspirants have expressed interest in the APC primaries. However, none have proceeded to purchase nomination forms due to the prevailing uncertainty.
Efforts by aspirants to engage President Tinubu directly have been unsuccessful, prompting them to seek alternative avenues, including liaising with his family members including his wife, Remi Tinubu, his daughter, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo and political associates.
Attempts to influence the National Working Committee of the party have also been met with resistance, as officials await directives from the President regarding the Ondo governorship election.
While six aspirants are seen as genuine contenders in the upcoming primaries, others are viewed as either seeking political relevance or negotiating for future considerations in the party. The key contenders include Aiyedatiwa, Oke, Akinfolarin, Kekemeke, Akinterinwa, and Jimoh.