Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-17 03:33:08
Mr. Idowu Ajanaku is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, having served as the former director of media to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State. He also held special adviser positions during the administrations of former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State. In this interview with SEYE OLUMIDEE, Ajanaku shares his insights on the upcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State, specifically discussing why Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa stands a better chance to win the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and subsequently win the main election to continue with the programs he and his late boss started in 2020.
When asked if the National Working Committee (NWC) should give Governor Aiyedatiwa an automatic ticket for the gubernatorial primary scheduled for April, Ajanaku explained the three ways specified in the constitution of the APC for choosing candidates for elective offices. These include direct primaries, delegates voting, and consensus decisions. He pointed out that the NWC has not given any special privilege to Governor Aiyedatiwa, but based on Aiyedatiwa’s contributions and experience, he stands out as a strong candidate.
Aiyedatiwa has been a part of the vision of former Governor Akeredolu since 2012 and has remained consistent in the progressive fold. Ajanaku highlighted Aiyedatiwa’s broad experience in governance, having served as a commissioner in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), a full-fledged deputy governor, an acting governor, and now a sitting governor. Ajanaku contrasted Aiyedatiwa’s record with other aspirants, citing instances where they were not part of the progressive fold or held positions that did not demonstrate a commitment to the party’s ideals.
Concerning the potential of other aspirants working against Governor Aiyedatiwa if he wins the primary, Ajanaku was confident that Aiyedatiwa’s leadership qualities and progressive ideas would rally genuine members of the party and the people of Ondo State to support his candidacy in the main election. He noted Aiyedatiwa’s recent stakeholder forum, where party members were elated and joyous, as evidence of his ability to unite and inspire support.
Ajanaku also acknowledged the achievements of the Akeredolu/Aiyedatiwa government, such as the formation of the Amotekun security force, the construction of the flyover at Ore, and the improvement of infrastructure across the state. He emphasized that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s role as deputy governor in supporting these accomplishments justified his continued leadership and ability to build on them.
Regarding concerns about Aiyedatiwa being regarded as a traitor due to the circumstances leading to his current candidacy, Ajanaku suggested that Aiyedatiwa’s experience and successful partnership with Akeredolu position him well to lead the state with the benefit of hindsight and experience. He dismissed the notion that Aiyedatiwa would be viewed as a traitor, citing his commitment to the party and its values.
In conclusion, Ajanaku expressed optimism in Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy, predicting a victory for him in both the party’s primary and the main election. He emphasized Aiyedatiwa’s continuous contributions to the party’s vision and his proven track record in governance as compelling reasons for him to succeed as the gubernatorial candidate of the APC in Ondo State.
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