By: Ade Philips
Ahead of the Ondo State gubernatorial election scheduled to hold in November 16, 2024, Starnews NG reports that uncertainty and confusion hang in the balance over who becomes the next Governor of the state.
The immediate past Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa had said that the late governor Rotimi Akeredolu endorsed him as his successor before his demise.
Akinterinwa made this startling revelation after late Akeredolu passed away last year, confidently noting that the late governor had a discussion with him to become the next governor of the state.
Mr. Akinterinwa said “Late governor Akeredolu had a discussion with me in his office and he told me he would want me to takeover from him.
“I didn’t take particular notice of the date he had discussed with me but it happened immediately he came back from his trip in Germany.
”He prayed for me and I am aware he told some certain people about his desire.
Conversely, the state Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had also said on Thursday that it was the wish of late Governor Akeredolu that he (Aiyedatiwa) succeeds him.
According to Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolu had repeatedly disclosed him as his successor at the State Executive Council meeting.
“He said it on our first day of inauguration. During our Exco meetings, he repeated it severally.
Ayedatiwa clearly said: “it was late Akeredolu’s wish that l emerged the next governor.
“I am proud to say I am part of Akeredolu legacies. It has been his wish that I succeed him.
“I would have preferred he stayed back and watch me govern the state. I know he will be proud of me.
“I trained under Akeredolu. He was a man who always says his mind on national issues.
“He says his thoughts not minding his pursuit. When he speaks, the nation will be at attention. We imbibe his qualities on governance.”
Aiyedatiwa said the truth about the recent political crisis in the state would soon be made public.
Meanwhile, Starnews NG reports that all the Ondo APC governorship aspirants are strategizing to win the ticket of their party ahead of the governorship election in the state.
The battle to succeed Akeredolu is likely to give the opposition PDP a chance in the state. This is because the multitude of aspirants are battle ready to slug it out with the incumbent Governor.
Political gladiators in the state believe the large number of governorship aspirants and desperation by some aspirants to stop the incumbent will slide to an albatross that could cripple the chances of the ruling party ahead of the election.
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