In preparation for the Ondo governorship primary election scheduled for Saturday, the All Progressives Congress has entrusted Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, and former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, with overseeing the process.
Appointed to head the seven-man Primary Election Committee responsible for conducting the shadow poll, Ododo will lead the team, while Omo-Agege takes on the role of Secretary.
Joining them are other committee members including former Oyo Deputy Governor, Iyiola Oladokun; Senator Lekan Mustapha, Adefunmilayo Tejuoso; Margaret Duru, and Dr. Sani Danjuma.
The committee’s task is to organize a direct primary across all 18 local government areas of the State to select the party’s candidate for the upcoming November 2024 governorship election.
Six contenders will compete for the sole ticket on Saturday, including the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, business magnate and senator representing Ondo South district Jimoh Ibrahim, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olusola Oke, former President of Nigerian Medical Association Prof. Francis Faduyile, mechanical engineer Dr. Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, and APC National Vice Chairman (South West) Isaac Kekemeke.
Other aspirants in the race are Dr. Soji Ehinlanwo, Akinfolarin Samuel, Okunjimi Odimayo, Adewale Akinterinwa, Olugbenga Edema, Gen. Ohunyeye Olamide, Morayo Lebi, Garvey Oladiran Iyanjan, and Ifeoluwa Oyedele.
Additionally, the APC has revealed a five-member committee to handle post-election appeals and complaints.
Former Bauchi Governor Mohammed Abubakar leads the Primary Election Appeal Committee, with Chief Obiocha Israel as Secretary, accompanied by members Edo lawmaker Patrick Obahiagbo, Jamilu Isiyiaka Gwamna, and Chief Onyeka Okafor.
In a brief announcement on Thursday, the ruling party declared that all committee members would be inaugurated on the same day at 4.00 pm.
“The inauguration of the Ondo State Gubernatorial Primary Election Committee and Appeal Committee is scheduled for Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 4 pm. Venue: NWC Hall, All Progressives Congress Headquarters, Abuja.
The inauguration will be conducted by the party’s National Organizing Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu,” as stated in the announcement.