A senator from Ondo South, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, has announced his intention to run for governor in the upcoming election in the state. He made this declaration in Akure on Thursday, stating that the death of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu will increase his chances of winning.
Senator Ibrahim expressed optimism that there would be no imposition of a candidate from the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency. He believes that President Bola Tinubu will allow a free and fair primary to enable the best candidate to emerge.
He noted that he is the oldest contestant and has previously contested for the governorship position in 2003. He believes the death of former Governor Akeredolu will not affect his chances but will instead increase the chance of winning the primary and the main election.
Senator Ibrahim stressed that security and the economy are part of his cardinal programmes for the state. He plans to empower the state Security Network Agency (also known as Amotekun) with modern technology to combat criminals effectively.
As the primary of the political parties in the state is approaching, many aspirants of the APC have shown interest in the contest. Apart from Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, other aspirants include the incumbent governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a former Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, former Member of the House of Representatives Mr Mayowa Akinfolarin, the former Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Oladunni Odu, former governorship aspirant of the APC, Chief Olusola Oke, Dr Paul Akintelure, Brig-Gen Olamide Ohunyeye (retd), among others.