The Decision Towards Harmony In Ondo Central
By Tugbi
I was on the same flight from Budapest to Berlin (Ryanair) I ran into one of the prominent leaders in Ondo state.
Trust when two political juggernauts meet –The discussion cannot be concluded without Politics! Which politics can we talked about without the next
election?
Oh! No! Why Ondo we are very restless with endless election circle. Election unlimited the story of Ondo unending election cycle.
What is next in Ondo? The Central are itching and preparing to succeed Governor Aiyedatiwa when he completes his tenure in office, I do not know when, because I am sure he will challenge the new law banning former deputy who succeed their boss from recontesting after been sworn in twice as a Governor but that will still be a long term plan.
Now! The National Assembly election the focus in Ondo. Let me zero-in Ondo Central where the invisibly visible battle is already loading between an incumbent Representative (MHR) Oshaprapra and the incumbent Senator Omoekun; the Green, and the Red Chamber want to collide elastically.
Both guys are veteran politicians, as the image of the younger legislature looms larger and intimidating with support of Mr Governor but the influence of the incumbent senator in the presidency makes the battle thicker than Concrete with skilled professional mixture.
I see amicable resolutions “Omoekun go back to Senate, Oshaprapra go back to the Rep” that’s Tinubu voice! I might be wrong.
Ondo East and West Let me peep into the Lower Chamber race loading. Who takes over from MHR Makinde (Oshaprapra) in Ondo.
The East are preparing seriously to displace Ondo West that had been consistently representing the area. But alas! Are there any differences between Ondo West and Ondo East? I don’t think so.
Therefore, the Rt Hon Speaker supporters advocating for Ondo East might not have good point because they are inseparable brothers. Any attempt to separate them might backfire.
Ondo West is highly populated with political Igodomiogodo and good cash to oil the machinery against the East. So, the East should not preach the bifurcation of Ondo.
Akure South and North
Turning to Akure, The MHR should naturally go to the Northern part. Akure South has enough taste of the cherry.
Also, the incumbent senator is from Akure South and in the spirit of brotherhood they should sacrifice the Representative to Akure North.
Besides, the voice of Derin is faint in the Green chamber. Let Akure North unite if they want it. Unity is their albatross they have more wards more excos and can negotiate with the senator to let go the Rep.
They cannot eat their cake and have it. However, Akure South is too packed with Appointment Senator, Minister, late SSG, Governor CPS and with the MHR. This will be unfair to have MHR again. But Power is not served À la carte.
Idanre and Ifedore
Landing on Idanre/Ifedore Constituency, The incumbent is from the opposition PDP Hon Akingbaso (Fessy West) from Idanre likewise his predecessor Hon Adefisoye (Small Alhaji) who was rejected by his own people in the last election also from Idanre.
So Idanre is completing 8 years in the House of Representative. Opposition is too poor to leave the battle for anyhow person. Therefore, Fessy West may still win their Primary and if he does, he is still a giant in the battle and will defeat anybody in other party especially and as usual in Idanre.
The Ruling party (APC) will naturally settle for a candidate from Ifedore for peace and unity of the area, also to be more competitive. What of if Fessy West decamped to APC? I will still be Fessy vs Ifedore! Idanre had done 8 years in a row.
Again, politics is not 2+2! Ifedore needs to agitate, consult, campaign and beg for the post. The state Chairman of APC is from Idanre so balancing the Power should naturally be the focus favouring an Ifedore man/woman.
But this is politics. It is a game of numbers! Ifedore needs to present a man of the people with good character, popular acceptable to the youth and nice pocket change ( fuel of politics) to oil the ground and very popular person to counter Fessy West! Ifedore had always been home of APC so, compensating them will not be a bad idea for equity and togetherness.
Ifedore had never been Senator but had always supporting Idanre aspiration. This might be a payback time for Ifedores’ loyalty. Who is who in Ifedore?
Who has the resources and the charisma to battle Fessy West in Ifedore. This decision is a hard one. The race in Idanre/Ifedore is an open one that is for Ifedore to grab.
However politic is the game. Work for it, have unity of purpose; otherwise it will be another story
Interesting time ahead in Ondo Central!
Watch out for Part 2 who is who in Ondo Central for Senate for Rep!
Tugbi is an APC Strategist and an International Public Affairs Analyst writes from Oke Idanre
