Tension is brewing ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) April 25 governorship primary election in Ondo state as supporters of President Bola Tinubu have begun searching for a strong candidate who will be widely accepted by the electorate among the aspirants.
The president’s men are also said to be looking for a candidate who will be loyal to the APC and prepared to deliver the state to the president in the 2027 general elections.
It was learnt that Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, will lead the Presidency’s team on this tasking mission.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Chief Olusola Oke, SAN, Dr Paul Akintelure, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, Hon. Jimi Odimayo, and Hon. Gbenga Edema are among those vying for the APC ticket.
Fears are growing among APC aspirants that President Tinubu, who is said to have a vested interest in who becomes the next governor, will be the deciding factor.
According to sources, the recommendation of Tunji-Ojo’s group on candidate’s choice may serve as a guide for the president in deciding who to endorse.
Reports indicated that Tunji-Ojo and his group members have been meeting with key stakeholders from the state in Abuja.
However, some aspirants are apprehensive about the fairness of the minister’s report, due to his alleged close ties with one of the aspirants.
It was learnt that Tunji-Ojo is allegedly financing the Akinfolarin’s governorship campaign group.
He was also accused of boasting to some of his supporters that he would be the one to select a governorship candidate for the President because he is well-versed in state politics.
One of the aspirants who spoke in confidence stated: “We believe that President Tinubu wants the best for Ondo State. If you look at who he supported in previous elections, you will notice that his choices are always the best for the party and the state.
“Our concern is that the Honourable Minister of Interior has a strong interest in the party primary election, and his report will undoubtedly favour the aspirant he is allegedly financing.
“Although he has some of his supporters with Governor Aiyedatiwa who are members of his cabinet, and with what is currently going in the party with the governor’s certificate issue, I’m very sure the minister’s report will not suggest Aiyedatiwa as the best for the party.
“We are appealing to the President to re-assign the assignment to an independent party person, who will give an unbiased report to the President on the Ondo APC poll.”
