Race for Ondo APC Governorship Ticket: A Close Look at the Contenders

Race for Ondo APC Governorship Ticket: A Close Look at the Contenders

The stage is set for the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary in Ondo State, where members will gather to select the party’s candidate for the November 20 off-cycle governorship election. With all 16 aspirants cleared to contest, attention is now on the serious contenders among them.

Four aspirants have emerged as frontrunners in the race: Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Wale Akinterinwa, and Chief Olusola Oke. The outcome of the primary is crucial, as the APC holds a strong position in Ondo politics, making the chosen candidate a likely winner in the upcoming election.

Aiyedatiwa, benefiting from the power of incumbency, stands as a strong contender. However, tensions with the late Akeredolu’s family and associates may affect his chances. Former Commissioner of Finance Wale Akinterinwa, backed by Akeredolu’s loyalists, poses a challenge to Aiyedatiwa.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has invested heavily in grassroots support and boasts a significant following across the state. He presents himself as a candidate with clear plans for the state’s development, earning recognition as a viable option among party members.

Chief Olusola Oke, a seasoned politician with previous gubernatorial bids, enjoys widespread acceptability and support across party lines. He believes that securing the APC ticket would eliminate opposition in the state, drawing endorsements from leaders of other parties.

Each contender has strengths and challenges across Ondo’s three senatorial districts. Aiyedatiwa’s incumbency aids him in the south, while Jimoh Ibrahim and Akinterinwa compete fiercely in the central. Oke’s broad appeal and Ondo North’s division make the contest unpredictable.

Factors such as regional support, political alliances, and the influence of key figures like Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and President Bola Tinubu will ultimately shape the outcome of the primary. With the APC’s dominance in Ondo politics, securing the party’s ticket holds the key to victory in the governorship race.

The stage is set for the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary in Ondo State, where members will gather to select the party’s candidate for the November 20 off-cycle governorship election. With all 16 aspirants cleared to contest, attention is now on the serious contenders among them.

Four aspirants have emerged as frontrunners in the race: Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Wale Akinterinwa, and Chief Olusola Oke. The outcome of the primary is crucial, as the APC holds a strong position in Ondo politics, making the chosen candidate a likely winner in the upcoming election.

Aiyedatiwa, benefiting from the power of incumbency, stands as a strong contender. However, tensions with the late Akeredolu’s family and associates may affect his chances. Former Commissioner of Finance Wale Akinterinwa, backed by Akeredolu’s loyalists, poses a challenge to Aiyedatiwa.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has invested heavily in grassroots support and boasts a significant following across the state. He presents himself as a candidate with clear plans for the state’s development, earning recognition as a viable option among party members.

Chief Olusola Oke, a seasoned politician with previous gubernatorial bids, enjoys widespread acceptability and support across party lines. He believes that securing the APC ticket would eliminate opposition in the state, drawing endorsements from leaders of other parties.

Each contender has strengths and challenges across Ondo’s three senatorial districts. Aiyedatiwa’s incumbency aids him in the south, while Jimoh Ibrahim and Akinterinwa compete fiercely in the central. Oke’s broad appeal and Ondo North’s division make the contest unpredictable.

Factors such as regional support, political alliances, and the influence of key figures like Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and President Bola Tinubu will ultimately shape the outcome of the primary. With the APC’s dominance in Ondo politics, securing the party’s ticket holds the key to victory in the governorship race.