Ondo Guber Race Heats Up As Powerful APC Politicians Battle Against Gov Aiyedatiwa

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has unveiled its timetable and activities schedule leading to the governorship election slated for November 16, 2024.

Released by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaimon Argungu, the timetable outlines key dates for the selection of a candidate. It indicates that the sale of nominations, expression of interest, and delegates’ forms will commence on April 3 and conclude on April 10, 2024. The primary election is set to take place on April 25, 2024.

Similar to the APC’s approach in Edo State, where Monday Okpebholo emerged as the flag bearer, the party has priced the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at N10 million and N40 million, respectively, for Ondo State.

Notably, female aspirants and persons with disabilities will pay for the Expression of Interest form only, while the Nomination Form is exempted. Additionally, youths aged 25 to 40 years are eligible for a 50% discount on Nomination Forms.

Among the prominent contenders vying for the APC ticket in Ondo are Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Ondo Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa, and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim representing Ondo South.

Reports had it that the late Governor Oluwarotimi’s men favour Akinterinwa to emerge the next Governor. There are also speculations that he is the favourite to clinch the APC governorship ticket due to his massive support base within the party and his popularity.

However, Jimoh Ibrahim is also a top politician who has been eyeing the Ondo seat of power over the years including running in previous primaries but failed to clinch the ticket. Having built his foundation in APC to the extent of winning the Senate seat for Ondo South, Senator Ibrahim is also a major contender in the race to take over power in the sunshine state.

These two strong contenders may be hard nuts to crack for the incumbent Governor Aiyedatiwa who had earlier said that he would not be a Governor for one year signaling his strong desire to retain his seat.

Ondo, alongside Edo, is one of the eight states holding off-season governorship elections due to litigations and court rulings. The political landscape is intensifying as candidates gear up for what is expected to be a closely contested race among the 19 political parties participating in the polls.