Akeredolu’s death’ll enhance my chances of becoming Ondo gov -Jimoh Ibrahim
Ondo South senator Jimoh Ibrahim has announced that he is prepared to run in the upcoming state governorship election.
He claimed that the passing of Rotimi Akeredolu, the state's previous governor, would increase his chances of winning the governorship.
Ibrahim was also upbeat about the possibility of the All Progressives Congress national leadership and the presidency not imposing a candidate.
The senator stated that President Bola Tinubu would permit a free and fair primary so that the strongest candidate could win, during his speech on Thursday in Akure.
He declared, "I'm announcing my intention to run for the Ondo State governorship." In this contest, I am the oldest competitor. Not one of these candidates was on the ballot in the two elections I have run for in my lifetime, the other being for governor in 2003.
"We shouldn't go work for the current governor, the President will never say. He can only suggest that he might favour one candidate if you have the ability to do so; if not, proceed with your election. Consequently, the President cannot declare, "I've taken this person," and order everyone to take a seat. Buhari, who knows very little about anything, is incapable of doing that.
Also, the APC candidate for governorship noted that the death of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu would not affect his chances but would rather increase the chance of winning the primary and the main election.
Given that Aketi was a human and could suddenly become objectively subjective, perhaps his passing has improved my chances. However, since he is no longer with us, that possibility is ruled out. I'll meet you at the field, whoever is present and wants to run for governor.
Consequently, Aketi's passing has no bearing on my prospects and, in fact, increases my chances of becoming this state's governor. Thus, we are putting a lot of effort into winning this election, Ibrahim emphasised.
He said that among his main initiatives for the state were the economy and security, emphasising the necessity of arming the state Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, with cutting-edge technology so that it could combat criminals effectively.
"My programmes are very simple: our goals are to increase bodily efficiency, moral efficiency, and moral knowledge. In order to guarantee that there will never be any kidnapping cases, we also need to map the borders of Ondo State for a security network. Amotekun is a traditional, one-of-a-kind security organisation that will have a solid plan in place to confront any security concerns in our state.
"The first and foremost thing we are looking at is making sure that everyone in the state of Ondo can go to sleep with their eyes closed. Mapping all systems, Amotekun's tactical operations must become more clearly differentiated from technology, and I want Amotekun to be knowledgeable about information technology because I have PhD in war, ” he stressed
A large number of APC candidates have expressed interest in competing as the state's political parties' primaries get closer.
In addition to Jimoh Ibrahim, some of the other candidates are the current governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; a former commissioner for finance, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa; a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Mayowa Akinfolarin; a former secretary to the state government, Mrs. Oladunni Odu (the only female candidate); a former APC candidate for governor, Chief Olusola Oke; Dr. Paul Akintelure; Brig-Gen Olamide Ohunyeye (retd), and additional individuals.
While receiving treatment for prostate cancer in a German hospital, Akeredolu, then 67 years old, passed away in December 2023.
Akeredolu was born on July 21, 1956, and graduated in 1977 from Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly the University of Ife) having studied law. In 1978, he received a pub call.
That same day, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was the state's acting governor at the time of his death, took the oath of office as the official governor.
Prior to his passing, on December 13, 2023, Akeredolu gave Aiyedatiwa authority by letter to the state House of Assembly, stating that he would take a medical leave of absence to Germany.
This happened after President Tinubu intervened in the crisis that arose from Akeredolu's unwillingness to turn over power to his deputy after he returned to the country from Germany in September.