ONDO, EDO, AND THE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidates for the upcoming elections in Ondo State on November 14 and Edo State on September 21, 2024, are facing a daunting journey filled with challenges, stemming from the contentious Ondo APC Gubernatorial Primary Election on April 20, 2024, and the Edo gubernatorial primary elections on February 17 and 22, 2024. These primary elections were marred by irregularities, controversies, and legal disputes. Most aspirants, except the declared winners, have contested the legitimacy of the elections, while independent observers have criticized the APC’s handling of the primary processes.
The road to the gubernatorial elections on September 21, 2024, and November 14, 2024, poses significant hurdles for the APC and its gubernatorial candidates due to the influence wielded by disgruntled aspirants within the party’s support base in Edo and Ondo States. Without successful reconciliation, the APC will face an uphill battle in securing victory in these elections.

It is widely believed in political circles that if the APC were to conduct transparent and fair primaries in both states, the gubernatorial candidates who emerge victorious would have a strong chance of winning the upcoming elections, given the backing of President Tinubu and the APC’s position as the ruling party at the federal level.

However, the controversies and legal challenges surrounding the primary elections necessitate strategic planning to overcome these obstacles. Key steps include prioritizing reconciliation efforts with the aggrieved aspirants, integrating them into the campaign structure, rallying their supporters, and potentially compensating them for their expenses. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, the critical stakeholders in Edo APC, and the governorship candidate must engage with each of the disgruntled aspirants to foster unity and collaboration, leveraging their political experience and networks for a successful electoral campaign. The APC must address grievances and promote mutual understanding and forgiveness among all aspirants in both states, possibly with the intervention of the presidency.

Governor Aiyedatiwa and Senator Monday Okpebholo face a formidable challenge: Governor Aiyedatiwa is seeking reelection as a sitting governor, while Senator Monday Okpebholo aims to transition from a serving senator to a governor. Genuine inclusivity in their reconciliation efforts is crucial for their chances of success. This involves bridging party divides, resolving conflicts, and uniting various factions. In Ondo State, it is imperative to engage with the late Governor Akeredolu’s political allies, such as Adewale Olumuyiwa Akinterinwa, Chief Olusola Oke (SAN), and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who hold significant sway among grassroots
supporters and possess strong political alliances. Winning their support, along with that of other influential figures outside the APC, will require careful persuasion and acknowledgment of their importance and political influence.
By: Nwakaji Peace Martins