As the April governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State approaches, aspirants within the party have intensified their lobbying efforts to secure the candidacy.
The major contenders, including Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Olusola Oke, Isaac Kekemeke, Mayowa Akinfolarin, Wale Akinterinwa, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Gbenga Edema, Dr. Paul Akintelure, and Jimi Odumayo, are said to be engaging in efforts to garner support.
According to Vanguard, aspirants are reaching out to influential figures close to the presidency, such as the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the President’s daughter, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.
Overtures have also been made to the national leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and the Umar Ganduje-led National Working Committee of the APC.
“The party is also considering a neutral candidate, someone who was not involved in the state’s recent political crisis before the death of the late governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu,” a source quoted in the report said.
Meanwhile, the Akeredolu family, led by his widow, Betty, are said to be backing the ambition of the former state finance commissioner, Wale Akinterinwa.
It was also gathered that a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mayowa Akinfolarin, has the backing of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila and the Interior Minister, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Gbajabiamila, Akinfolarin, and Tunji-Ojo were all members of the Ninth Assembly in the House of Representatives.
