The senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim, recently asserted that the passing of the former governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu, may bolster his chances of securing the next gubernatorial position. Ibrahim conveyed this viewpoint during a discussion with journalists in Akure on Thursday.
Emphasizing that Akeredolu’s demise would not adversely affect his prospects but, rather, enhance his likelihood of winning both the primary election and the subsequent governorship race, the senator expressed his readiness to contest in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
He stated, “Maybe the death of Aketi has enhanced my chances because Aketi is a human being, he can be subjectively objective at the last minute. But now that he is no more, that possibility is written off completely. So whoever is there, wants to run for governor will meet me at the field. So Aketi’s death doesn’t affect my chances at all, but it would rather enhance my chances to win the governorship position of this state. So we are working seriously to win this election.”
Highlighting his experience as a two-time election contestant, including a gubernatorial bid in 2003, Ibrahim asserted his status as the most seasoned among the contestants. He 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 said President Bola Tinubu would facilitate a free and fair primary, allowing the best candidate to emerge.
“The President will never say that we should go and work for the incumbent governor. He can only appeal that he prefers one person if you prefer him, if you cannot, go and do your election. So the President cannot say that I have taken this person, so all of you should go and sit down. Even Buhari, who is very clueless about anything, can never do that.”
Addressing his priorities for the state, Ibrahim outlined economic and security measures. He emphasized the need to empower the State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) with modern technology to combat criminals effectively. He envisioned an Amotekun that is “Information Technology informed” to enhance its capabilities in addressing security challenges.
“My programmes are very straightforward; we are to create moral efficiency and moral knowledge and make the body more efficient. We must also map Ondo State borders for a security network and then ensure that we will never have any cases of kidnapping, by making Amotekun a classic unique security outfit that will come with a good strategy to challenge any security issues in our state.”
As the primary elections approach, numerous aspirants from the APC have expressed interest in the contest. Besides Jimoh Ibrahim, contenders include the incumbent governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; a former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa; a former Member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Mayowa Akinfolarin; the former Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Oladunni Odu, a former governorship aspirant of the APC, Chief Olusola Oke, Dr Paul Akintelure, Brig-Gen Olamide Ohunyeye (retd), among others.
Recall that Akeredolu, aged 67, passed away in December 2023 while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer in a German hospital. Born July 21, 1956, Akeredolu studied law at Obafemi Awolowo University, graduating in 1977. The then-acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was sworn in as the substantive governor of the state on the same day Akeredolu passed away, following a letter transferring power in December 2023. The intervention of President Tinubu played a crucial role in resolving the crisis arising from Akeredolu’s failure to hand over to his deputy upon his return from Germany in September.
