Ondo: Aiyedatiwa will work with me after I emerge APC candidate, says Oke

TIkolo Olawale Dickson, Akure

A leading governorship aspirant in the All Progressive Congress, Chief Olusola Oke, SAN says the governor of Ondo state, Hon.Lucky Aiyedatiwa will work with him after he emerges candidate of the party.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC had fixed all party primaries in April 6 and 27.

Over 20 aspirants, including Aiyedatiwa in the ruling APC in the state are jostling for the seat.

Speaking on Monday at the APC secretariat in Akure, Ondo State to inform the State Working Committee of his intention to contest the 2024 governorship election, Oke described himself as the most experienced, saleable and popular aspirants among the contestants.

He said his candidature would unite the party by bringing all leaders and members together in one accord.

Reeling out his campaign promises, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said his administration would revive most of the moribund industries in Ondo State with a view to employing the youths.

He said,“There are three ways to know a politician, it is either you’ve been a lawmaker, you’ve been a party administrator or you’ve occupied executive position.

“I have occupied the three. I was once a lawmaker and was a party administrator. In the choice of my career, ranging for over 35 years in politics, I’ve gathered experience.“Because I’ve been a party administrator, I will know how to manage party members as a governor.

“Sometimes ago in this state, we had many companies. Ifon Ceramic in Ifon, NIRO in Akure, Premier Metal in Ondo town, Coaco Processing in Ile-Oluji, Oil Mill in Okitipupa among others.

“All these companies were generating wealth for our people; we have to revive them so that there will be mass employment in Ondo state.

“This state was created in 1976 but as at today, we are in deficit in many respects. We are in deficit in the aspect of road, hospitals, education and every respect.

“I will also take care of the party members and leaders, giving them appointments and employment. I want to assure you that my brother, Aiyedatiwa will work with me after I emerge as the governorship candidate of the party next month.

“I don’t want to be imposed on the party. What I want is a free and fair primary to select candidates for the party. If given the ticket, I will ensure the death of opposition parties.”

Oke advised the Chairman of the party, Ade Adetimehin to take charge of the affairs of the party, and should not allow anybody to take away his mandate.

The former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party, said he was aware of the threat to the position of the Chairman and other leaders of the party.

Responding, the state Chairman of the APC, Mr. Ade Adetimehin described Oke as a party man who had paid his dues.

He, however, prayed for the frontline aspirant to suceed in his aspiration to become the next governor of Ondo state.

“You are a party man; you have diligently paid your dues to ensure that the party succeeds in the state.

“You are not strange to us, ‘Odidi-Omo of Ikalaland’ (Oke). You are now free to tour all the 203 wards in Ondo state.

“Tell them what you intend to do for them, they will listen and support you.”