Get Guardian on GoogleA chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Sola Ajisafe has disclosed that the balance of political power in the state has shifted to the 203 wards of the state, following a convergence of those he described as political heavyweights under the Progressive Mandate Forum (PMF) in Akure, the state capital.
According to Ajisafe, in a statement, the gathering showed that the PMF had become a formidable structure across the state, adding that the convergence was not politics as usual but a meeting of structure and experience, data and reach, as well as capacity and acceptability.
He warned that ignoring the convergence would amount to planning to lose, adding that elections are won by politicians with grassroots connections rather than civil service templates.
Ajisafe, who maintained that the people at the meeting know and own the grassroots, urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the party to open the political space, fund all structures, engage all leaders, and spend election funds judiciously.
The statement read in parts, “The forum is the umbrella body of 20 support groups coordinated and sponsored by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and working for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The meeting brought together men and women who served under the administrations of Adefarati, Agagu, Mimiko, and Akeredolu.
“Those in attendance included Chief Olugbenga Ale, former Chief of Staff to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN; Pastor Femi Agagu, former Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Education; and Hon. Yemi Olowolabi, former Chief Press Secretary and Commissioner for Information.
“Also present were Yeyeoba Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, immediate past Commissioner for Information and Orientation, and Mrs. Bunmi Ademosu, former Special Adviser and leader of the Ajapada grassroots movement in Akure.
“The legal and legislative class was represented by Mr. Kola Olawoye, SAN, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who led the Owo G-135 with a large contingent; Hon. Prince Solagbade Amodeni; Hon. Samuel Olatunji Fabiyi, current member of the Ondo State House of Assembly; and former lawmakers including Hon. Ade Samuel Pelemo, Hon. Gudu Felemu, and Hon. Jofad.
“Also present were Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu, first female Secretary to the Government of Ondo State and a former commissioner; Alhaji Femi Idris, former Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission and former Chairman of Akure South Local Government; and Hon. Gbenga Olaniyi, Esq., former commissioner under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
“This is the meaning of what happened yesterday. The balance of political power has shifted finally in Ondo State. It has moved from one office to 203 Wards. It has moved from appointment to structure. From opacity to openness. From exclusion to inclusion.
“The event also featured Dr. Tayo Dairo, a seasoned political warhorse from Akure; Mrs. Tola Aworh; Chief Bode Sunmonu; Saka Yusuf Ogunleye; Hon. Dayo Awude; Dr. Terebo; Hon. Goke Jatuase, former Chairman of Ilaje Local Government; Hon. (Major) Morenike Alaka, former Chairperson of Okitipupa Local Government; Mr. Oluyide Mekuleyi, former Council Member, AAUA; and Princess Dupe Adetuwo, former Council Member, AAUA, Nollywood veteran, and former Senior Special Assistant on Culture.
“From the Mimiko era, Dr. Kola Ademujimi led a delegation that included distinguished Senator Yele Omogunwa, a renowned political strategist from Irele. From the academia came Prof. O.J. Jejelola, former Dean of Law at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, and Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, while the traditional institution was represented by Senior High Chief Ojo Alalabiaye, the Osolo of Idanre Kingdom.
“The message from the meeting was clear: Tinubu’s re-election is the goal, Dr. Tunji-Ojo is the anchorman in Ondo State, the PMF is the torchlight, and the APC is the vehicle.
“Tinubu’s victory in Ondo State will not be declared in Alagbaka. It will be counted in the 203 wards. And the road to those 203 wards passed through Gbawondanu yesterday. The Owl is watching. Abuja is taking notes, and Ondo State people are listening.”
