The race for the Ondo State governorship election is heating up, with heavyweights from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) jostling for the highest office in the state.
The APC, determined to cling to power, faces a daunting hurdle from the PDP, eager to reclaim Alagbaka House, the seat of government, after years in the opposition.
The incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, finds himself at the centre of the storm, facing challenges from within his own party and a resurgent PDP determined to reclaim control of the state.
Daily Trust takes a look at some major contenders across the two main parties.
Within the APC Camp:
Lucky Aiyedatiwa
Aiyedatiwa, who assumed office following the death of his predecessor, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, is banking on the continuity of the late Governor’s administration programsmes. However, his path to securing the APC governorship ticket is not that smooth.
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Aided by incumbency, Governor Aiyedatiwa is rigorously building his political base within the APC. Numerous endorsements from influential figures within the state party have boosted his confidence in securing the ticket, and ultimately, winning the governorship election in November.
However, the lack of a guaranteed automatic ticket from the national leadership of the party and the weight of other prominent APC contenders seemingly keep his chances on edge.
Olusola Oke
Chief Olusola Oke, a former commissioner with a strong grassroots presence, is another name generating a buzz. He had narrowly lost the party ticket in the previous election.
His long history in the state politics has given him significant experience. Notably, he has twice run for governor, in 2012 and 2016, on the platforms of both the PDP and the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
Despite past electoral defeats, Oke’s political pedigree, credentials, and popularity remain strong. He is known as a grassroots politician with a knack for building bridges across party lines.
He served as a House of Representatives member in 1992, an NDDC Commissioner in 2001, and Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC). He even held the position of the national legal adviser for the PDP.
With his extensive experience and enduring popularity, Olusola Oke is a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Mayowa Akinfolarin
Mayowa Akinfolarin, a two-term member of both the state House of Assembly and the House of Representatives, is another leading contender.
He is said to have the backing of powerful figures in Abuja, including former House Speaker and current presidential Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Known for his agricultural pursuits and philanthropic work, Akinfolarin enjoys a reputation for integrity and helping the underprivileged.
Isaacs Kekemeke
Chief Olusola Kekemeke is the founding chairman of the APC in the state and National Vice Chairman South.
Kekemeke, known as “Lekeleke,” boasts a strong political resume. He served in various high-profile positions from 2003 to 2009, including Attorney-General, Commissioner for Works, and Secretary to the State Government.
This experience, along with his deep-rooted connections, makes him a formidable contender.
His entry has reportedly shaken up the race, particularly due to his close ties with influential national figures like President Bola Tinubu.
Some believe Kekemeke’s understanding of Ondo politics surpasses his rivals.
Wale Akinterinwa
Wale Akinterinwa, also a frontrunner, boasts a record as the state’s longest-serving Finance Commissioner (three terms).
Considered as the late Governor Akeredolu’s chosen successor, Akinterinwa claims to have secured his endorsement before the late governor’s passing.
Hailed from Ile Oluji, Akinterinwa is believed to have inherited the support network of the late governor, effectively absorbing his political machinery.
Jimoh Ibrahim
A business titan with political aspirations, Ibrahim is leveraging aggressive mobilization and philanthropy to secure his position in the highly competitive race.
He is the lawmaker, representing Ondo South in the Senate.
Ibrahim, a very strong chieftain of the APC, experienced businessman and industrialist of high repute, has played a prominent role in the state politics.
PDP CAMP
Sola Ebiseni
Ebiseni, a lawyer and former Secretary-General of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, boasts a strong political background. With three past commissioner positions under his belt, he is seen as an experienced politician.
Hailed from Mahin in Ilaje LGA, Ebiseni became chairman of the old Ilaje local government at the age of 29.
Though unsuccessful in his 2016 PDP gubernatorial bid against Jegede, he remains a loyal party member with a network of supporters across the state. He enjoys popularity, especially among young people.
Agboola Ajayi
Ajayi started his political journey under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and became the chairman of the party in Old Opoi Ward 1 from 1988 to 1998.
He also served as member of the Federal House of Representatives and represented Ilaje/Ese Odo federal constituency under the PDP, serving as the chairman House Committee on NDDC from 2007 to 2010.
He is regarded as another strong contender for the PDP ticket.
The former deputy governor of the state resigned his membership from the APC and defected to the PDP following certain irreconcilable differences between him and his boss then, the late Governor Akeredolu.
He contested for the PDP primary but lost to Jegede before heading to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) led by former Governor Mimiko.
Bamidele Akingboye
He contested for the seat more than four times since 2007 but has remained in the PDP.
While he enjoys strong support from the public, the candidate’s fate hinges on the PDP primaries, where unforeseen factors could sway the delegates’ decisions.
John Olu Mafo
A journalist and sports administrator, Olu Mafo, is also vying for the PDP governorship ticket. Mafo previously served as Deputy Governor candidate alongside Jegede in the 2016 election. He also held positions in the state government as Commissioner for Information and Commissioner for Sport and Youths. Notably, Mafo has remained a loyal member of the PDP.
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