Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, the representative of Ondo South, has made a bold assertion that the passing of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has significantly strengthened his bid to become the next governor of Ondo State.
Senator Ibrahim said this while speaking with newsmen in Akure on Thursday, dispelling any notions that Akeredolu’s death might impede his political ambitions.
On the contrary, he confidently stated that it presents an opportunity to increase his chances of success in both the primary and governorship elections.
He said “maybe the death of Aketi has enhanced my chances because Aketi is a human being; he can be subjectively objective at the last minute.
“But now that he is no more, that possibility is written off completely. So whoever is there, wants to run for governor will meet me at the field,”
He emphasised the wide-open field for aspiring candidates in the wake of Akeredolu’s demise.
Senator Ibrahim, who recently declared his candidacy for the forthcoming governorship election, expressed determination to leverage this opportunity.
“So Aketi’s death doesn’t affect my chances at all, but it would rather enhance my chances to win the governorship position of this state.
“So we are working seriously to win this election,” he affirmed, citing his experience as the oldest contestant and a two-time election participant, including a gubernatorial bid in 2003.
Optimistic about the fairness of the political process, Senator Ibrahim voiced confidence that there would be no imposition of a candidate from the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency.
He specifically mentioned that President Bola Tinubu would ensure a transparent primary, stating, “The President will never say that we should go and work for the incumbent governor. Even Buhari, who is very clueless about anything, can never do that.”
Senator Ibrahim outlined key aspects of his agenda, focusing on the economy and security as his cardinal programs for the state.
He stressed the need to empower the state Security Network Agency, Amotekun, with modern technology to effectively combat criminals.
“My programmes are very straightforward; we are to create moral efficiency and moral knowledge and make the body more efficient,” he detailed.
He highlighted the necessity of mapping Ondo State borders for a robust security network, ensuring a region free from kidnapping.
His vision includes transforming Amotekun into a technologically advanced security outfit.
Senator Ibrahim concluded by emphasizing his commitment to ensuring that every resident in Ondo State can sleep with their eyes closed.
He reiterated his academic prowess, stating, “I want an Amotekun that is Information Technology informed because I have a Ph.D. in war.”
As the primary political parties in the state approach, a myriad of aspirants within the APC have shown interest in the contest.
Besides Jimoh Ibrahim, notable contenders include the incumbent governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and several other experienced individuals vying for the prestigious role.
The political landscape in Ondo State continues to evolve, marked by the passing of Akeredolu in December 2023.
Born on July 21, 1956, Akeredolu studied law at Obafemi Awolowo University, graduating in 1977, and was called to the bar in 1978.
After his death, the reins of governance were handed over to then-acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was sworn in as the substantive governor on the same day.
The transition process, initiated by Akeredolu’s letter to the state House of Assembly on December 13, 2023, before embarking on medical leave in Germany, marked a turning point.
The intervention of President Tinubu helped resolve the crisis that arose from Akeredolu’s failure to hand over to his deputy upon returning to the country from Germany in September.
The upcoming elections promise to be a dynamic contest, with candidates positioning themselves strategically within the political landscape of Ondo State.
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