• ADP pegs nomination forms at N12.5 million
• Sani decries marginalisation of youths in governance
• Rallies support for 39-year-old Akinnodi
• Civil, pro-democracy activists endorse Kekemeke
• Say his track record, reputation second to none
• APC carpets ‘elders’, groups for endorsing aspirants
• Warns political gladiators against polarising party

Ahead of November 16, 2024, Ondo State governorship election, a Senior Special Assistant to the late Rotimi Akeredolu, Dr Benson Enikuomehin, has urged political parties in Ondo State, especially the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to put the interest of the people and state at heart while fielding their candidates for the November 16, governorship election.

Enikuomehin, who advised in Lagos, yesterday, maintained that given the current state of Ondo, it is important to elect someone who understands the peculiar needs of the state and her people and has what it takes to make a visible difference by placing the state on the path of prosperity.

He said: “I am aware that the two major political parties, namely APC and PDP, have chosen the pattern or mode by which their primary elections would be conducted. For the APC, it is going to be a direct primary election while the PDP will hold an indirect primary election.

“I expect that the APC, which is the ruling party, must be very careful. APC needs to put its house in order and follow its guidelines to ensure that a credible and reliable primary is conducted for the aspirants that are lined up for it.

“Also, I expect the PDP to be transparent in its primary election. We do hope that both parties will do it well and ensure that reliable people emerge.
“We cannot afford to make mistakes because for now, Ondo State is not getting its best from the resources available to that particular state.”

MEANWHILE, the Action Democratic Party (ADP) has pegged its nomination and expression of interest forms at N12.5 million. National Chairman of ADP, Yabaji Sani, disclosed this, yesterday, in Abuja when an aspirant, Ayodeji Emmanuel Akinnodi, picked the forms.

Sani expressed confidence that the party would trounce the two dominant parties, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the poll.

He said Nigeria needs a younger person to lead the state, adding that the recent election in Senegal, where 44-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected as the fifth President, is a source of inspiration.

Akinnodi, who promised to address insecurity, joblessness and healthcare in the state if elected, said: “We have been hearing that we the youths are the leaders of tomorrow. But that has not materialised.

“We are going to bring youth leadership in the state. The state has been experiencing banditry. People cannot sleep with their eyes closed. As the governor of the state, I will tackle all the problems.

“Akerodolu tried. He played the role of a father. The Owo crisis gave him the courage to set up Amotekun,” he said.
IN another development, the Conference of Nigeria Civil Rights Activists (CNCRA), South West zone, has endorsed the National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the APC, Isaacs Kekemeke, for the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State.

The civil rights and pro-democracy activists emphasised that the decision to back Kekemeke hinged on his reputation as well as his struggle for the return of democracy to the country during the military era.

The South-West Chairman of the group, Adeniran Ikuesan, and Secretary, Adewumi Olowoniyi, said in a statement, yesterday, that residents of the state must be weary of voting for those who do not have the interests of the state at heart.

The group stated: “D.I. Kekemeke is a trustworthy and worthy fellow politician whose integrity is not doubtful. Kekemeke’s political antecedents transcend all spheres of life.

“We cannot support any candidate who does not have anything at stake, such as second-term syndrome. We are not ignorant of the fact that a governorship or presidential candidate who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term in office cannot and will not give the people the expected benefits and dividends of democracy.”

HOWEVER, the APC in Ondo State has warned political groups within the party, as well as supporters of aspirants, against divisive utterances and actions ahead of the party primary.

The state’s Chairman of the party, Ade Adetimehin, described as unnecessary the idea of those constituting themselves into “the aborigines of the APC” of the state chapter.

Adetimehin, in a statement by Publicity Secretary of the party, Alex Kalejaye, said the party would not condone acts aimed at making some members inferior to others on account of when they joined the party.

He said: “The party implores aspirants to be weary of desperate supporters who fan embers of disunity for personal gains. This is not healthy for the vibrant chapter of our dream.

“I appeal to political gladiators to exhibit respect for the party’s governorship aspirants and other stakeholders to avoid unnecessary friction in the political space.

“Ondo State is known for its organisation and enviable political history, which should be demonstrated at critical moments. We own it as a duty to showcase the rare ability to go into any contest without rancour.”