Ahead of the forthcoming Congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, the battle for control of the APC’s structure at the state level is beginning to take shape.
Five prominent Chieftains in the state have so far declared their interests in the chairmanship position of the party.
Though the party is yet to schedule a date for the congresses, the contest for the top seat, zoned to the Ondo North senatorial district, is already gaining momentum especially among the major contenders.
The herculean task before whoever emerges the chairman of the party is to ensure that APC wins Ondo state in the forthcoming general election in 2027.
It was gathered though the Aspirants willing to take over the mantle of the party are working seriously among party members, governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa who is the leader of the state has not publicly shown any sign of who he is going to support.
The current chairman of APC in the state, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, and his executives have recorded two governorship victories and maintained internal unity and development during his tenure.
Adetimehin in May 2018 emerged as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ondo State.
Adetimehin had been in acting capacity after his boss, Mr Isaacs Kekemeke was suspended after the 2016 governorship election for anti party activities.
The contenders vying for the chairmanship are Hon. Victor Olabimtan, His Excellency Lasisi Oluboyo, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde (aka Amechie), Prince Akingbade Amodeni, and Mr. Jide Owoka.
Hon. Olabimtan, a former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, currently serves as Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Some Party members believe that Olabimtan has paid his dues and has sacrificed so much for the party. They believe his emergence would go a long way in helping the party, being a grassroot politician and someone who has deep understanding of Ondo state politics.
Party members who spoke with Roving Reporters also said Olabimtan has proven his worth when he was on a federal government appointment. He is also considered as very loyal to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Oluboyo was deputy governor under former Governor Olusegun Mimiko and previously held the positions of Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Some party members however alleged that the former deputy governor is tightfisted, an attribute, according to them should not be for anyone who wants to lead a political party like APC.
Babatunde represented Akoko South East/South West Federal Constituency from 2015 to 2019 and later served as Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Babatunde seems to be very popular among a section of party members based on his antecedents and achievements while on political appointments and after he left the public office.
Prince Solagbade Amodeni, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), served as chairman of Akoko SouthEast Local Government Area of Ondo State between 1999 and 2003.
Political watchers, especially Chieftains and elders of party are closely monitoring how the race will shape the future of the APC in Ondo state.
