By Ken Afor
Front-runners of the November 16, 2024 Ondo gubernatorial election, Lucky Aiyetadiwa, the state governor, and Mr. Olusola Oke, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), along with other contenders, are facing fierce opposition from former aide to late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Prof. Dayo Faduyile, and other political heavyweights in the state.
With the gubernatorial election on the horizon, tensions seem to be running high as candidates vie for support and strategic alliances.
Prof. Faduyile’s entry into the race may have injected new dynamics, challenging the dominance of established figures and setting the stage for a fiercely contested election.
Faduyile, a former Special Adviser on Health to the late Akeredolu during his visit to the State Working Committee of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Akure, the state capital, reportedly said that his former principal did not endorse anybody to succeed him before his death in December last year.
While refuting speculations of stepping down for any rival candidate, Faduyile, a former President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), emphasized that his steadfast determination to emerge triumphant is buoyed by divine intervention.
“The late Akeredolu never mentioned his successor at all State Executive Council meetings,” revealed Faduyile. “He had no preferred candidate, contrary to speculation.”
“I am in the race to win,” asserted Faduyile. “I am not contemplating stepping down for anyone. This is a contest I am determined to win and will win by the special grace of God.”
Addressing the significance of endorsements, Faduyile stressed the importance of earning support through diligent efforts.
“Endorsement is good, but you have to work for it,” he asserted. “I am working hard, and I believe that with God, all things are possible.”
He urged individuals claiming to have received endorsements from the late Akeredolu to exert extra effort.
Regarding his vision for the state, the aspirant pledged to propel its progress at an exponential rate.
Faduyile pledged to leverage technology to enhance youth employment opportunities and involve party leaders in governmental initiatives.
On his part, the party’s state chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, admonished all aspirants to refrain from resorting to violence during their campaign activities.
Adetimehin urged whoever would emerge as the party’s candidate in the primary to prioritize youth empowerment upon assuming office as the governor of the state.
Other aspirants on the platform of the APC include business mogul and incumbent Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Jimoh Ibrahim, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Oladunni Odu; former member of the House of Representatives, Mayowa Akinfolarin; former member who represented the state on the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Olugbenga Oedema
