The political atmosphere in Ondo State is charged with anticipation as 16 governorship aspirants, including the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, gear up to receive their certificates of clearance from the All Progressives Congress (APC). This event, scheduled for Monday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, marks a critical juncture in the lead-up to the 2024 gubernatorial election in the state.
Deputy Organising Secretary of the APC, Nze Chidi Duru, in a detailed conversation, confirmed the arrangements for the clearance ceremony, noting that all aspirants had been duly informed and were expected to convene by 4:00 PM. This step follows the party’s meticulous screening process aimed at validating the credentials and eligibility of the candidates to vie for the governorship ticket.
Simultaneously, the state chapter of the APC is set to conduct a delegate congress across Ondo’s 18 local government areas. This congress is crucial as it sets the stage for the upcoming governorship shadow poll on the same day, aligning with the amended schedule of activities and timetable for the electoral contest.
This year’s primary is particularly significant given the recent controversies that have enveloped some of the aspirants, most notably Governor Aiyedatiwa. The governor recently faced serious allegations of academic certificate forgery, sparking widespread debate and concern over his eligibility. The issue brought back memories of the Bayelsa state incident, where a similar situation led to the disqualification of the APC candidate post-election victory. However, relief came on Friday when Aiyedatiwa became the first aspirant to be cleared by the APC screening committee, dispelling the rumors and solidifying his candidacy.
The list of cleared aspirants showcases a diverse group of influential figures within the state’s political landscape. It includes Jimoh Ibrahim, a well-known business mogul and senator from Ondo South; Olusola Oke, a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria; and Prof. Francis Faduyile, former President of the Nigerian Medical Association. Other prominent figures such as Dr. Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, an accomplished mechanical engineer, and Isaac Kekemeke, the APC National Vice Chairman (South West), also feature on the list.
These aspirants represent a broad spectrum of experience and expertise, promising a robust contest ahead. Each candidate brings unique qualities and visions for the development of Ondo State, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely competitive primary. The party’s adherence to a rigorous screening process and the transparent handling of the delegate congress are indicative of its commitment to fairness and the democratic process.
As the state moves closer to the primaries, the focus intensifies not just on the political aspirations of the candidates but also on the potential policies and reforms they propose to implement. The electorate is keenly observing the unfolding events, eager to understand how these leaders plan to address the pressing issues facing Ondo State, from economic development and security to healthcare and education.
With the clearance certificates soon to be in hand, the aspirants are expected to ramp up their campaigns, reaching out to delegates and the general populace to outline their vision for the state’s future. The coming weeks are critical as they could reshape the political landscape of Ondo State, setting the tone for governance and leadership for the next four years.
