Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-03 05:17:12
President Bola Tinubu’s interest in Ondo State politics cannot be underestimated. The upcoming APC gubernatorial primary in April has stirred up significant attention, as Ondo remains the only state in the Southwest where the President does not have a firm grip on local politics. The recent visit of President Tinubu to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s family on February 28, 2024, was not just a condolence visit but also a strong indication of the former governor of Lagos’s intentions ahead of the primary.
With over 20 aspirants vying for the party’s ticket, including the incumbent governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Commissioner for Finance Wale Akinterinwa, and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, the competition is fierce. The dynamics of Ondo APC politics have been influenced by President Tinubu’s longstanding interest in the state dating back to 1999. Despite several attempts to gain a foothold in Ondo politics over the years, Tinubu has faced challenges and setbacks.
The late Governor Akeredolu’s tenure saw a lack of Tinubu’s influence in Ondo politics, leading to his reelection and continued leadership until his demise. However, with Akeredolu’s passing and Tinubu’s current position as President, the political landscape in Ondo is set to change. The Southwest APC leaders, including Tinubu, now have the opportunity to shape the party’s structure in the state.
President Tinubu’s visit to Ondo following Akeredolu’s death goes beyond condolences. It signals a shift in power dynamics and a potential takeover of the state’s politics by Tinubu and his allies. Aiyedatiwa has emerged as a key figure in this scenario, seen as someone who can help Tinubu establish his political dominance in Ondo.
Aiyedatiwa’s neutrality and lack of political baggage make him a trusted ally for President Tinubu in navigating Ondo’s complex political landscape. Other governorship aspirants, such as Olusola Oke, Wale Akinterinwa, and Jimoh Ibrahim, are viewed with skepticism due to their past associations and actions.
Oke’s PDP background and previous gubernatorial bids, Akinterinwa’s tenure under Mimiko’s government, and Ibrahim’s perceived independence pose challenges to their alignment with Tinubu’s political ideology. Those who have opposed Tinubu’s candidates in the past, such as in the 2016 gubernatorial race, may also face obstacles in gaining his support.
President Tinubu’s strategic visit to Ondo and his alliance with Aiyedatiwa indicate a calculated move to consolidate power and sideline potential competitors. His careful selection of allies and dismissal of certain aspirants reflect his determination to assert control over Ondo politics.
As the April primary draws near, the political landscape in Ondo is poised for a transformation under President Tinubu’s leadership. The coming months will reveal the extent of Tinubu’s influence and the outcome of the APC gubernatorial race in the state.
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