The primary election for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ondo State is approaching and aspirants within the party are working hard to secure the candidacy. The top contenders include Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Olusola Oke, Isaac Kekemeke, Mayowa Akinfolarin, Wale Akinterinwa, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Gbenga Edema, Dr. Paul Akintelure, and Jimi Odumayo, who are engaging in efforts to gain support.

According to Vanguard, aspirants are reaching out to influential figures close to the presidency, such as the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the President’s daughter, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo. They have also made overtures to the national leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and the Umar Ganduje-led National Working Committee of the APC.

The report suggests that the party is considering a neutral candidate, someone who was not involved in the state’s recent political crisis before the death of the late governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu. Meanwhile, the Akeredolu family, led by his widow, Betty, is said to be backing the former state finance commissioner, Wale Akinterinwa.

It was also gathered that a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mayowa Akinfolarin, has the backing of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Interior Minister, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Gbajabiamila, Akinfolarin, and Tunji-Ojo were all members of the Ninth Assembly in the House of Representatives.