Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South, has announced his readiness to run for the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State.
He believes that the recent passing of former governor Rotimi Akeredolu will enhance his chances of becoming the next governor.
Ibrahim expressed optimism that there will 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 ensure the best candidate emerges.
Speaking in Akure, Ibrahim declared, “I am the oldest among the contestants and have previously contested for the governorship position in 2003. The President cannot dictate that we should support the incumbent governor. He can only express his preference, and if we disagree, we are free to pursue our own election.”
Ibrahim also emphasized that the death of former Governor Akeredolu would not negatively impact his chances but would instead increase his likelihood of winning the primary and the main election.
He stated, “Aketi’s death doesn’t affect my chances at all but rather enhances them. Whoever wants to run for governor will meet me on the field.”
Economy and security are among Ibrahim’s key priorities for the state.
He believes in empowering the state Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, with modern technology to effectively combat criminals.
Ibrahim aims to ensure that every citizen in Ondo State can sleep with their eyes closed by strengthening the security network and utilizing information technology.
As the primary elections approach, several aspirants from the APC have shown interest in the contest.
Besides Jimoh Ibrahim, other contenders include the incumbent governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, Mr. Mayowa Akinfolarin, Mrs. Oladunni Odu, Chief Olusola Oke, Dr. Paul Akintelure, and Brig-Gen Olamide Ohunyeye (retd).
The passing of former Governor Akeredolu in December 2023 led to the swearing-in of Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the substantive governor on the same day.
Prior to his death, Akeredolu had transferred power to Aiyedatiwa via a letter to the state House of Assembly in December 2023 when he went on medical leave in Germany.
President Tinubu intervened in the crisis that arose from Akeredolu’s failure to hand over to his deputy upon his return to the country from Germany in September.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
