By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Editor and Otabor Osagie, Akure

No fewer than nine chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State are lobbying to replace Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi, who is facing impeachment charges before the House of Assembly. The gladiators, who are core members of Team Aketi, the political structure of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), are from the Ondo Senatorial District.

Those eyeing the number two position are: chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board and former Education Commissioner Mrs Oladunni Odu; Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) Gbenga Edema; former member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board and senatorial aspirant Lucky Ayedatiwa; Commissioner for Education and younger brother of former Governor Segun Agagu, Femi Agagu.

Others are: Deputy Chief of Staff Jimi Kuforiji; Mrs Olamide Falana and Commissioner for Water Resources, Yetunde Adeyanju.

A source said Ayedatiwa, Agagu and Odu are the strong contenders although some party chieftains are also rooting for the Finance Commissioner, Wale Akinterinwa

According to the source, the jostling may have altered the permutations for the selection of running mate for Akeredolu, who is seeking a second term.

Initially, some party leaders have suggested Dr. Paul Akinterinwa, his 2012 running mate for the job.

Party insiders also confided that some governorship aspirants from the South are also eyeing the deputy governor/running mate slot, following the adoption of the indirect mode of primary, which the governor is most likely to win.

They are said to be mounting pressures on credible party leaders who have the ears of Akeredolu to consider them for the slot.

The lobby for the deputy governor has intensified, following the commencement of impeachment proceedings against Ajayi by the House of Assembly. A party chieftain from the North District, who craved for anonymity, said: “all the lobbyists are from the Southern district and they have enlisted the services of trusted allies of Governor Akeredolu.”

The source added: “This is politics; you dont wait for the bullet to meet you, if you can identify it,and that is why we won’t rest until the deputy governor is impeached because we have credible evidence against him. “There are more qualified personalities in the South who are ready to take up the battle once Agboola is impeached. We cannot be dragged back by one man who has finished the party in the South because he was having his own agenda. “So, just like Abena(forme Secretary to Government Ifedayo Abegunde) who was replaced within 24 hours, once the man goes, the next deputy will be sworn in almost immediately,.

“The only unfortunate issue around the scenario is that, apart from lobbying, the gladiators are already locked in rivalry.”

The ruling party, which is silent on the jostling for Ajayi’s position, is maintaining a keen interest in the impeachment proceedings.

Ayedatiwa, the choice of the party leadership for the Senate for the 2019 elections, was dropped by the former National Working Commitee (NWC) of the APC. He is a close ally of the governor who is yet to be compensated. He is a committed member of the ‘Akeredolu for second term project.’

Agagu was Chief of Staff under his late brother. He is held in esteem by members of the State Executive Council.

Kuforiji, deputy chief of staff, is an associate of Ajayi. But, he refused to defect along with him to the PDP.

A chartered Accountant, the retired Assistant Commissioner of Police holds doctorate degree. A native of Abeokuta, Ogun State, his mother is from Igbotu, the birthplace of Akeredolu’s mother.

Princess Odu from Ikale is a two-time Commissioner. Her influence among the women folk is enormous and she has enough war chest. She is popular in the party and the state.

https://thenationonlineng.net/impeachement-nine-in-race-to-replace-ondo-deputy-gov/

I heard, there was going to be a direct primaries for Ondo State gubernatorial election

Party insiders also confided that some governorship aspirants from the South are also eyeing the deputy governor/running mate slot, following the adoption of the indirect mode of primary, which the governor is most likely to win.

What is going on?

The party settled for Indirect primary. Also, all the parties in Ondo are going with Indirect primary.

yanabasee1:
I head there was going to be a direct primaries for Ondo State gubernatorial election







What is going on?

dia problem

Jimiyung:
The party settled for Indirect primary. Also, all the parties in Ondo are going with Indirect primary.

Will Obaseki ever forgive Oshiomole??

Politics is funny, no permanent friend or enemy. He was osho’s bestman , i expect him to forgive him when the dust settles.

yanabasee1:



Will Obaseki ever forgive Oshiomole??

yanabasee1:



Will Obaseki ever forgive Oshiomole??

Will oshiomhole ever forgive him?

I think aketi should be strategic in his choice if deputy.in order of electoral influence,he should pick olusola oke or femi agagu or princess adunni

Oke is ambitious and will not settle for deputy. I also see him decamping if he loses the primary and we all know indirect favors the incumbent.

Dansuqi:
I think aketi should be strategic in his choice if deputy.in order of electoral influence,he should pick olusola oke or femi agagu or princess adunni

Jimiyung:
Oke is ambitious and will not settle for deputy. I also see him decamping if he loses the primary and we all know indirect favors the incumbent.

That is why I brought up a list.oke is not a strategic thinker or a realist.he should know that outside APC and pdp,he cannot be governor and that the best chance will be in 2024 when power rotates to the south and he will be in pole position being the most popular from the south in APC.why can't he just mellow down and deputize till then?

Some people see themselves as leaders and cannot follow no matter the situation. You are right, he is not being realistic. Odu or Agagu will probably get it

Dansuqi:


That is why I brought up a list.oke is not a strategic thinker or a realist.he should know that outside APC and pdp,he cannot be governor and that the best chance will be in 2024 when power rotates to the south and he will be in pole position being the most popular from the south in APC.why can't he just mellow down and deputize till then?

Jimiyung:
Some people see themselves as leaders and cannot follow no matter the situation. You are right, he is not being realistic. Odu or Agagu will probably get it

Humility,loyalty are very important in politics. You must stop to conquer. Whoever deputize aketi will likely succeed him.I like femi agagu,he is a rising star and has inherited his late brother structure

Good analysis. Once they get Agbo out of the way, things will be clearer.

Dansuqi:


Humility,loyalty are very important in politics. You must stop to conquer. Whoever deputize aketi will likely succeed him.I like femi agagu,he is a rising star and has inherited his late brother structure

how will inec conduct election while maintaining social distancing

Where is Hon. Otitọ Atikase in this mix?

It is between him and Princess Oladunni Odu.

yanabasee1:
I head there was going to be a direct primaries for Ondo State gubernatorial election

Me sef, I LEG sey na indirect Sir

[/quote][quote author=yanabasee1 post=91559229]


Will Obaseki ever forgive Oshiomole??

what would have done , if you were to be in Oshomole situation.

abeg make una post better news dis morning abeg.
Mtcheeewww

Naxxxo

everybody like power sha

yanabasee1:
I HEAD there was going to be a direct primaries for Ondo State gubernatorial election
What is going on?

EastGold:
Me sef, I LEG sey na indirect Sir

Me too, i NOSE say na dilect primaries o!

W

Check my signature

Ok

Dansuqi:


That is why I brought up a list.oke is not a strategic thinker or a realist.he should know that outside APC and pdp,he cannot be governor and that the best chance will be in 2024 when power rotates to the south and he will be in pole position being the most popular from the south in APC.why can't he just mellow down and deputize till then?

mellow down ké.... Na so ẹ easy

Lolsssss

So APC can conduct indirect primaries yet refused to give Obaseki that option on the ground of covid and social distancing. It seems there is no covid in Ondo. everyone hailed Osho and never thought about fairness and equity. Fear lairs and deceits who claim to be saints. Fear APC