Ahead of the April 20 governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, party elders operating under the banner of Ondo APC Aborigines have expressed their support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as their preferred candidate.
However, the endorsement faced resistance from the campaign teams of two other prominent APC governorship hopefuls, Wale Akinterinwa and Olusola Oke.
At their meeting in Akure, the state capital, the APC elders defended their backing of Aiyedatiwa, highlighting his position as the top-rated candidate among the Ondo APC governorship aspirants.
Last week, the group had announced that, after screening over 10 APC governorship aspirants, they had narrowed the field down to three finalists, with the ultimate selection to be based on predefined criteria.
Aiyedatiwa, former Commissioner for Finance Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, and another significant party figure, Dr. Paul Akintelure (deceased), were reportedly under consideration.
After their meeting on Tuesday, the group's chairman and former Ambassador to Togo, Sola Iji, announced Aiyedatiwa as their chosen candidate.
"We unanimously agreed to set up a committee to identify and assess the various aspirants, eventually recommending Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Honorable Wale Akinterinwa, and Dr. Paul Akintelure," Iji stated.
He stressed that Aiyedatiwa's selection was influenced by his performance as governor in less than 100 days, following his swearing-in on December 17, 2023, after the passing of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
However, the Wale Akinterinwa Campaign Organization criticized the elders' decision, alleging bias due to some members previously declaring open support for Aiyedatiwa.
Similarly, the Olusola Oke Campaign Organization dismissed the endorsement, asserting that the APC elders' choice does not reflect that of the party or its members.
"We believe Chief Oke will secure the party's ticket at the primary and the mandate of the people in the November 16 governorship election," stated Ojo Oyewamide, spokesperson for the Olusola Oke Campaign Organization.
