By Banji Ayoola
Two thousand, five hundred and eight delegates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, would today, through an indirect primary, elect the party’s candidate in the October 10 governorship election.
Twelve aspirants including the incumbent Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN; a former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr Isaacs Kekemeke; daughter of the pioneer National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, leader and the state’s Second Republic Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin, Mrs Jumoke Anifowose; and Engineer Ife Oyedele, are contending for the party’s ticket.
Others are a former governorship candidate, Chief Olusola Oke; ex governorship aspirant, Chief Segun Abraham; former Action Congress state chairman and an envoy, Ambassador Olusola Iji; Mr Jimi Odimayo; Mr Owolabi Adelami; Mr Awodeyi Akinsehinwa; Mr Olubukola Adetula; and Dr Olumuyiwa Adojutelegan.
Breakdown of the figure as provided by APC state spokesman, Mr Alex Kalejaiye shows that the state’s 203 wards would each have 12 delegates, while the party’s state executive would supply 72 delegates.
He said: “We have delegates from local government areas; we have House of Assembly and National Assembly members as automatic delegates. We also have special delegates.”
There were threats by some of the 12 aspirants to work against APC towards the general election if the direct primary was not adopted for the exercise.
But responding, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, who is chairman of the APC Primary Election Committee, said on Friday, after the inauguration of the committee, that the aspirants could not dictate to the party.
His words: “It is not within the purview of contestants to choose rules of engagement. We follow laid down rules and regulations of the party. As members, we should abide by the rules and regulations.”
Also, Yobe State governor and chairman of APC National Caretaker Committee, Mai Mala Buni, who inaugurated the committee said: “There is no doubt; we are committed to renewing the mandate from the good people of Ondo State. I wish to caution our aspirants to respect the rules governing the party primary.”
