The upcoming primary of the All Progressives Congress is set to take place on Saturday to choose the party’s candidate for the Ondo State governorship election, which is scheduled for November 16, 2024.
With 171,922 validated members from the 203 wards across the 18 local government areas in the state participating, the fate of 16 aspirants will be determined.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Olusola Oke, Prof. Francis Faduyile, Dr. Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, and Isaacs Kekemeke, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), are among those contending for the ticket.
Additional contenders include Dr. Soji Ehinlanwo, Akinfolarin Samuel, Okunjimi Odimayo, Adewale Akinterinwa, Olugbenga Edema, Gen. Ohunyeye Olamide, Morayo Lebi, Garvey Oladiran Iyanjan, and Ifeoluwa Oyedele.
The party recently inaugurated appointed officials to oversee the governorship primary election at its national secretariat in Abuja.
NewsNow mentioned that Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, was appointed to lead the seven-man Primary Election Committee tasked with conducting the shadow poll, with former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege serving as the Secretary.
Other committee members include former Oyo State Deputy Governor Iyiola Oladokun, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Adefunmilayo Tejuoso, Margaret Duru, and Dr. Sani Danjuma.
The committee is responsible for organizing a direct primary in all 18 local government areas of the state to select the party’s candidate for the November 2024 governorship election.
Another five-man committee was sworn in by the ruling party to handle post-election appeals and complaints.
Former Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abubakar heads the appeal committee, with Chief Obiocha Israel serving as Secretary
Other committee members include Edo lawmaker Patrick Obahiagbo, Jamilu Isiyiaka Gwamna, and Chief Onyeka Okafor.
Although Ododo was not present at the oath-taking ceremony which commenced at approximately 5.30 pm.
Representing Ododo, Kogi State Deputy Governor Salifu Oyibo explained his absence, citing security challenges, and assured that the governor would be in Ondo State for the assignment the following day.
Oyibo stated, “I’m here on behalf of my governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, who couldn’t make it today due to security challenges. He wants to work collaboratively with all committee members to select the best candidate for the Ondo governorship election while adhering to the party’s principles.”
Addressing the audience, the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, urged the primary election committee to approach their task with seriousness.
Ganduje emphasized that proper security measures were in place for the exercise and assured that all relevant documents would be provided to the officials before the poll.
He remarked, “Disagreements are part of democracy, and your job is crucial in selecting our gubernatorial candidate. The Appeal Committee will address any disputes that may arise. Your selection for this committee was based on integrity, honesty, party standing, and experience. Today marks a significant step towards the Ondo governorship primary election. I officially inaugurate you with these words.”