Dr. Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, a 40-year-old mechanical engineer, made history on Wednesday by being the first Ondo aspirant to obtain the N10m expression of interest form to officially join the race for the All Progressives Congress governorship ticket.
The ruling party has set the price for the expression of interest form at N10m, while the nomination form is priced at N40m.
However, female aspirants and individuals with disabilities are entitled to only purchase the expression of interest form, with the nomination form being free.
Waheed-Adekojo, aiming to become Ondo State’s first female governor, faces tough competition from the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, business tycoon and senator representing Ondo South district, Jimoh Ibrahim, and a prominent APC figure, Olusola Oke, among others.
Having obtained her form at the APC national secretariat on Wednesday, Waheed-Adekojo assured reporters that she is undaunted by her competitors in the race.
She also refuted claims of being a proxy for the governor or any alleged political influencers in the state.
According to her, “I am not representing anyone. I have acquired a N10m form which was solely funded by my hard-earned money. Through this, I have empowered 15,000 women and youths in Akoko and Ondo State through skill acquisition and entrepreneurship initiatives.
“My goal is not to serve any specific interest but to win and make history as the first female governor of Ondo State. As a mechanical engineer from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and a Fellow of the Society of Engineers, I am fully committed to this race.
“My candidacy doesn’t just represent me. I stand here to empower women worldwide, particularly in Africa, where we must demonstrate our capabilities. It’s time for women to step up and address the gaps in our society.”