The absence of prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figures Jimoh Ibrahim, Oladunni Odu, and Wale Akinteriwa at a crucial campaign rally in Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has raised alarms over the party’s electoral prospects.
The rally, part of ongoing efforts to galvanise support for APC’s flag bearer, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was noticeably undermined by their non-attendance, leading to speculations of deepening divisions within the party.
Sources indicate that the trio’s absence is tied to their discontent over the outcome of the APC primary election that saw Aiyedatiwa emergence as the party’s candidate.
Since the contentious primary, many within the party have expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as Aiyedatiwa’s increasing disregard for key stakeholders.
Notably, Odu, Ibrahim, and Akinteriwa who are heavyweight figures within the APC have been sidelined in critical party decisions.
Jimoh Ibrahim, a serving Senator and billionaire business mogul, is a prominent political figure known for his extensive network and governance experience in Ondo State. Oladunni Odu, the former Secretary to the State Government under the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has long been a loyal supporter of the APC, playing a pivotal role in the party’s activities. Wale Akinteriwa, the immediate past Commissioner for Finance, is also a key player in the party, boasting a solid following among the electorate.
An APC stalwart, who spoke on condition of anonymity to Starnews NG, remarked, “The governor has been running a one-man show since the primaries. Leaders like Jimoh Ibrahim, Oladunni Odu, and Akinteriwa have been neglected, and their contributions have been marginalised, which is now showing in their absence from pivotal campaign events like the one held in Ore.”
The fallout from their absence has sparked panic on social media and among APC members, with many questioning the party’s unity and readiness for the upcoming elections. This brewing discontent poses a significant threat to Aiyedatiwa’s electoral fortunes, particularly in the Southern Senatorial District, where these leaders command substantial followings. Their influence among party faithful in the region is crucial, and many fear that their absence may lead to an erosion of support at the grassroots level.
Political analysts also expressed concerns that the growing internal rift could split the APC’s vote base in the southern district, a critical region that could decide the election’s outcome.
One analyst noted, “Aiyedatiwa cannot afford to alienate key stakeholders in such a politically sensitive area. If these grievances remain unresolved, it will significantly weaken the APC’s chances, and opposition parties will seize on this division.”
The absence of these political heavyweights at such a crucial rally sends a strong signal of discord within the APC, which could profoundly impact the party’s chances in the general election. As the campaign season intensifies, all eyes will be on whether efforts are made to reconcile these internal differences or if the divisions will continue to fester, further threatening Aiyedatiwa’s path to victory.
As election day approaches, the APC’s ability to unite its fractured leadership will be a key determinant in its success or failure in Ondo’s Southern Senatorial District. Without the backing of these influential leaders, the party risks losing ground to opposition forces, casting doubt on Aiyedatiwa’s capacity to secure victory in a region that could prove pivotal in the upcoming polls which also produced Agboola Ajayi, the candidate of the PDP.
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