By -Otunba Oluwapelumi Stephen (Opima)
As the scheduled Ondo State Gubernatorial Election slated for 16th November, 2024 approaches, political parties in the state, aside electing there candidates, are beginning to strategize on how to excel at the election.
Among the many parties preparing for the election, two major political parties to watch out for, are the All Progressive Congress (APC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The reason for this is the large followership they both command.
As popular as these parties may be however, picking a popular and sellable candidate for the said election, is an endeavor that should not be too tasking for any of the two to get right.
As things stand, the two parties have conducted primary elections to pick their candidates. The APC election, messy and violent, ended up producing an unpopular candidate, in the person of the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, whose election has left the party sharply divided. The APC in Ondo state, as we speak, is a house divided against itself.
Fellow aspirants who campaigned against Aiyedatiwa gave some reasons. One, that he may not be able to survive the litigation that will follow his allegations around his certificate. Secondly, the Southern Ondo people, with Aiyedatiwa as governor will not be able to do a second term, because he won’t be eligible to be sworn in for the 3rd, since he would have fully enjoyed the privilege twice, being the constitutional limit. His co aspirants are saying, the south can not afford to be short changed because of Aiyedatiwa’s ambition. The governor also has issues with women, following allegation of wife battery, which allegedly, led to his wife abandoning the state house.
The PDP on the other hand, succeeded in doing what the ruling party could not do. The party was able to conduct what has been adjudged by majority, as the best primary election in recent time.
There is no gain saying therefore, that the election produced a very popular candidate, who most believe, should not have problems winning the general election, if it is conducted with the fear of God and patriotism by the electoral body in charge of election conduct.
The primary election which produced a politician of immense experience, in Agboola Alfred Ajayi, many have said, makes the PDP the most favoured party towards the election. The reason for this belief, is the choice of Ajayi, an administrator, with enviable track record.
To be a successful administrator depends on the features one possesses. The capacity and ability to deliver as expected matter too.
Since no one can give what he does not have, it has been a sing song within and outside of the state, that Ondo state deserve Ajayi, a former deputy governor, because he has proven overtime, that he has what it takes to turn the fortune of the state around,for the best and beyond it’s current direction -less voyage, in the hands of the APC.
There is a general consensus among the natives and residents of the state, that Ondo State deserve a passionate, God fearing people oriented government, which Ajayi is believed to perfectly represent.
The people of Ondo State had been so fortunate to have some respected, diligent and merciful leaders who sought power to offer service basically and in the interest of the masses.
To reenact the old good time, the PDP was able to pick wisely, a politician, not only capable of replicating and do beyond the achievement of the achievers of old, but with the ability to rescue the state from the hands of it’s current abusers and at the same time, be accountable to the people.
There are many types of politicians; some are politicians by chance, some are politicians by calling and some are politicians by what they possess, especially in giving back to the people. Ajayi represents the last two.
Those who know “Agbo” know he’s a born-politician and destined to lead his people from grass to grace.
Looking at Agboola Ajayi’s political sojourn, it is very obvious that he’s not just a politician by chance, hence his positive impacts and achievements during his time as Councilor, Chairman, House of Rep member and Deputy Governor of our dear sunshine state.
There are many testimonies about the good deeds of “Agbo” but that is a story for another day.
The name “Agbo”, irrespective of the interpretation, is not strange to all across the 18 local governments of the states. As a one time councilor, one time L.G Chairman, one time House of Rep member, one time Deputy Governor, of the state and one time Gubernatorial Candidate of Zenith Labor Party, ZLP, it’s no doubt that “Agbo” is familiar with all communities, not even political wards or local government now, but villages and communities in the state.
Agboola Ajayi is a friend to all. He knows the challenges being faced by the people, be it road networking, educational system, farming, infrastructure, health, security, Economy and all.
With the cordial relationship between “Agbo” and the good people of Ondo State, he will definitely deliver beyond expectations as the Governor of the state.
