By Milcah Tanimu

In anticipation of the upcoming governorship primary in Ondo State scheduled for April, Chief Olusola Oke, a gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is urging the party leadership to ensure a free and fair selection process.

Although the Independent National Electoral Commission has set April 2024 for the party’s primaries leading to the November governorship primary, the specific date for the April primary is yet to be determined by the national APC leadership.

During his visit to the party’s state secretariat in Akure on Monday, Oke expressed confidence in his candidacy and emphasized the importance of a fair primary. He stated, “I have come here today to notify you of my intention to vie for the governorship seat of Ondo State on the platform of APC. All I am asking for is not to descend into the arena but to organize a free and fair primary.”

Oke, competing against other aspirants such as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and former Commissioner for Finance Mr Wale Akinterinwa, stressed the need for unity within the party. He affirmed, “Once this is done, we will all go to the field, and I assure you I will emerge. But in any circumstance, I will remain a loyal party member.”

The APC aspirant underscored his commitment to addressing the challenges facing Ondo State, citing his deep connection to the region. He argued, “Ondo needs a governor that is familiar with the environment. I have spent the whole of my life in Ondo state, I’ve never been away for six months except in 1971 when I was in Lagos for nine months.”

Responding to Oke’s call, the National Chairman of the state APC, Mr Ade Adetimehin, appealed to all aspirants and their supporters to uphold a civilized approach during the primary. He emphasized the importance of unity within the party, stating, “We want to appeal to you and your supporters to play the game according to the rules in a civilized way. We should not fight. Don’t be involved in the campaign of bitterness.” Adetimehin urged aspirants to collaborate with the eventual winner, as they are all members of the same political family.