By Banji Ayoola
Barely 12 hours to the All Progressives Congress, APC, primary to pick the party’s flag-bearer in the October 10 governorship election in Ondo State, one of the 12 aspirants and the Executive Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Engineer Ife Oyedele, has withdrawn from the race and declared support for the incumbent Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
Oyedele made the move on Sunday night at the Government House where he said that the decision was in the interest of the party and the state.
The Governor announced the decision after a meeting by both at the Government House this night, telling reporters: “As you can see here, my brother, Engr Ife Oyedele is here with me.
When I used the word brother am using it with all sense of responsibility. We are brothers for many reasons and we remain brothers for life.
As you all know, we both indicated interest in the Governorship of this state.
Since our meeting with the reconciliation committee, a number of us have been talking and a number of our leaders have been talking to us.
To the glory of God, my brother, Engr. Ige Oyedele and I felt we can work together for the progress and uplift of this state.
When we discussed APC and the legacy party that made up APC, ACN ANPP, you will remember that he was the state coordinator of the Buhari election.
He’s a known figure here and he has done his best. We have decided to work together during this election. He’s one of our pride in Abuja.
We have decided to work together in this election and for the good of the people of the state.”
On his own, Oyedele said: “Before the last few days, our leaders in Abuja and Lagos have been talking to a couple of us, especially the leading aspirants in this race and one of the most important things to them is that we need to ensure a free and fair of primary in the state.
They don’t want a situation where an ordinary primary election within the party will lead to bloodshed.
Both of us will work together to ensure the victory of Governor Akeredolu. Party leaders impressed on the two of us to strike an accord to ensure the election goes smoothly.
We are determined to work together in what will benefit the people of the state, we will work to rebuild and reunite the party. I want to call on other aspirants to come over and join us for the good of the state.”
Akeredolu and Oyedele after the meeting left for another meeting where the chairman of the election committee, Governor Yahaya Bello was expected to meet with all the 12 aspirants ahead of tomorrow’s election.
Meanwhile, a strong indication has emerged that another leading aspirant would also dump his ambition in support for Akeredolu before the primary starts on Monday.
It was learnt that the aspirant who also contested in the 2016 governorship primary has declared to the governor but would formally declare his support for Akeredolu any moment from now.
It was also gathered that the venue of the primary election has been shifted from all the 18 local government areas to Akure, the state capital and all the 2,508 delegates are expected in Akure.
