As the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries draw near, Barr. Banji Okunomo has assured party members that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will not make the mistake of fielding candidates who could jeopardise the party’s chances of victory in Ondo State.
Okunomo, a prominent APC chieftain in Ondo State and former spokesperson for the Ondo State Governor during the last governorship election, expressed his confidence in Aiyedatiwa’s decision-making during a recent statement made available to newsmen in Akure on Monday evening.
Lawyer Okunomo highlighted that he has repeatedly heard Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasise the core values required for candidate selection. “The Governor has stated on several occasions that loyalty, popularity, sellability, winning ability, and grassroots appeal are essential for fielding a strong candidate,” he noted. “Aiyedatiwa will never make a mistake that could cost the party victory at the polls, especially with the opposition waiting to capitalise on any misstep ahead of the general elections.”
The ex-Council Boss elaborated that the Governor is “meticulously strategic” and understands that some aspirants are relying on the popularity of President Bola Tinubu to secure their positions. “Candidates who lack their own popularity will ultimately harm the party’s chances,” Okunomo warned, adding that the Governor is fully aware of this dynamic.
Moreover, He observed that many aspirants recently visited the Government House chapel in Alagbaka for Sunday service to seek favour from the Governor. “It’s important to recognise that some of these individuals are not genuinely loyal to the state Governor,” Okunomo declared.
The outspoken Okunomo said: Any aspirant who meets an average of 60% of these criteria outlined by Governor Aiyedatiwa will enable the APC to emerge victorious in the upcoming elections across the 18 local governments of Ondo State, Starnews NG reports .
The APC Chieftain cautioned that selecting the wrong candidates could have detrimental effects on the party’s image, particularly in relation to President Bola Tinubu’s candidacy, adding, however, that: “With a commitment to informed decision-making by the Governor, I remain hopeful that only candidates who truly represent the interests of Ondo State and our party will be on the ballot,” he said.
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