In the aftermath of the primary elections leading up to the November 16 governorship contest in Ondo State, TOPE FAYEHUN delves into the intricate political dynamics shaping the emergence of candidates within the two major parties.
The political landscape of Ondo State has been ablaze with intrigue in recent weeks, as the state’s political elite engaged in a flurry of activity, setting the stage for a potentially tumultuous primary election. As anticipation builds for the upcoming governorship election scheduled for November 16, this year, the battle lines have been drawn between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the primary opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a former ruling party in the South West state.
While the primary elections have concluded, the contentious outcomes have ignited internal strife within both parties, complicating the path for their respective candidates.
In the APC camp, the incumbent, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, emerged victorious in the primary election, securing a total of 48,569 votes. His closest rival, Mayowa Akinfolarin, trailed behind with 15,343 votes, while Chief Olusola Oke garnered 14,865 votes, clinching the third position. Despite the declaration of Aiyedatiwa as the winner, the process was marred by incidents of violence and disruptions, particularly in the Ifedore and Ilaje local government areas.
The PDP primary, on the other hand, witnessed its own drama, with former deputy governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, emerging as the winner after garnering 264 votes. Ajayi’s victory underscored the internal power struggle within the party, as he overcame stiff competition from other aspirants, including former House of Representatives member, Hon. Kolade Akinjo, who secured 157 votes, and former Afenifere secretary general, Chief Sola Ebiseni, who came in third with 99 votes.
The fallout from these primaries has exacerbated tensions within both parties, as aggrieved aspirants contest the legitimacy of the outcomes and demand redress. Despite calls for unity from party leaders, including the APC national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and Governor Aiyedatiwa himself, dissent continues to simmer among disgruntled factions.
Looking ahead to the November election, the political landscape in Ondo State remains fraught with uncertainty, as unresolved grievances threaten to undermine party cohesion and cohesion. With the specter of pre-election litigations looming large, the road to the governorship contest is paved with obstacles, raising concerns about the potential impact on the electoral process and its outcome.
As the state braces for a hotly contested election, the stakes are high for both the APC and PDP, with the legacy of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu looming large over the political landscape. Against this backdrop, the stage is set for a showdown between Akeredolu’s former deputies, further complicating an already volatile political landscape.
