Vicky Oselumese
In a tragic turn of events, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has lost a prominent politician and governorship aspirant, Paul Akintelure.
It has been reported that Akintelure passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, March 26, 2024, just a month before the APC primary election. Akintelure, who hailed from Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, had expressed concerns about threats to his life prior to his untimely demise.
His spokesperson, Oladapo Akintelure, quoted him as saying, “Initially, I hoped these incidents would dissipate over time, yet regrettably, they have escalated to pose a serious threat to my life. The threats against me only strengthen my resolve to stand up for what is right and just. I will not allow fear to dictate our path forward.”
As news of Akintelure’s death spread, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alex Kalejaiye, confirmed the unfortunate incident.
“It is true, I can confirm it. We would issue a statement about it shortly,” he stated.
Akintelure, a medical doctor, had previously served as the deputy governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) alongside the late Rotimi Akeredolu in 2012.
They lost the election to Olusegun Mimiko, the then-incumbent governor and Labour Party flagbearer. He also contested and lost the senatorial election against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.
The passing of Paul Akintelure is a significant loss to the APC in Ondo State.
As the party mourns his demise, the focus now shifts to the upcoming APC primary election and the search for a suitable replacement.
