Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has confidently brushed off concerns over the competition posed by the 15 governorship aspirants contending for the All Progressives Congress ticket ahead of the April 20 primary election.
Aiyedatiwa expressed his assurance to journalists after formally submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.
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Among the contenders vying for the party’s nomination are Senator Jimoh Ibrahim representing Ondo South district, APC stalwart Olusola Oke, former President of the Nigerian Medical Association Prof. Francis Faduyile, Dr. Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, and APC National Vice Chairman (South West) Isaac Kekemeke.
Additional candidates include Akinfolarin Samuel, Olusoji Ehinlanwo, Okunjimi Odimayo, Adewale Akinterinwa, Olugbenga Edema, Gen. Ohunyeye Olamide, Morayo Lebi, Garvey Oladiran Iyanjan, and Ifeoluwa Oyedele.
Despite the formidable lineup, Aiyedatiwa affirmed his position as the frontrunner ahead of the impending primary election, emphasizing his lack of apprehension towards his fellow contenders.
He said, “I am aware we have 15 other aspirants jostling for this same office. They are also eminently qualified. Let me say here that I respect all of them. But we know ourselves. They have been around. We know who they are and what they can do. They are illustrious sons and daughters of the land. But I can tell you there is nothing to fear.
“I can tell you the people of Ondo State know what and who they want. As I said, the youth, women, traders, farmers, artisans, and Ondo workers are all calling for me to continue. Those are the people who will determine who will win the election. I have no fear because they are already speaking. In fact, they have spoken. So there is nothing to fear.
“In the last few years, I have acted in the capacity of deputy governor and acting governor in 2021 and 2023. Now, I am the governor. I am just about 100 days in the office today or tomorrow. I have just about three months in office.
“My desire to contest was in response to the yearning and aspiration of my people. The artisans, women, students, and traditional rulers want me to continue as governor of the state. They have observed and identified that within a short period of my assumption in office. They could see all I have done in the office in three months. Based on that, they demanded across all the local governments that I should continue as governor of the state. And I cannot do that without going through the process.”
