Ondo 2016; APC, Ondo, Becoming The Choice We Make
As I write, all schemes, permutations and jabbing efforts are in top gear accelerating towards the success of All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Primary election in Ondo State. The hoax before the elections are very enormous and not unhidden as it stands, if only the spectators could stop napping and dive into the current to bring out the biggest fish money enough wouldn't price away.
Afterall, it is not that the governorship election proper is no longer in contention. But obviously, it is the gauge through which the party would be measured since the last presidential elections that gave the APC an overwhelming votes over the ruling party in the state. Naturally, figures recorded at the last election face a severe uncertainty as Mimiko's tactics rebel every arrangement concocted by APC towards winning the Governorship election, as such, this is the litmus test.
Barging through the rigorous economic harangue at the central is no consideration for now however, Ondo people are not unaware of the adverse effect of running opposition government in the state poses to democratic value and dividends.
In the turn and twist of events, the party would decide between the real 'contenders' and 'pretenders'. All things been equal; all the aspirants are abiding pillar to reckon with in Ondo politics. Of advantage is the rationale of having increasing membership to the party, it secluded the contents what PDP would face in November.
For the first time the party will have the chance to belly every inner rancors and face stemming Iroko that has lately pride itself the new 'Juganaunt' of Ondo politics.
One thing is certain, history is either going to be repeated or abrogated; APC, the only formidable opposition elects its candidate this Saturday. For months now, the state has been in the rave of boggling news. Apart from the aspirants, face-offs, that in course of winning electable delegates take undermining resort to attacking one another while on aggressive campaigns to the nooks and crannies of Ondo, the episode of APC inner politics is not without characters and issues. Issues that cause ripples.
The characters at play are of course the politicians. First, the unnumbered aspirants of All Progressives Congress, the highest number the party ever had since its formation for any INEC certified elections. Forty-eight it was, until after the National Executive Council of the Party in cordial relationship with state leadership melted a huge financial implications and conditions that saw the names reduced drastically to about 25 aspirants, who are made to undergo undertaken against non effectual acrimony against one another. Half-clever APC. Rhetorics of the move played out effusively barely months after the State Chairman was alleged to have compromised the delegates' list and technically accused of 'bias', nepotism and 'favorism' - a leash that sprouted out of the seemingly settled yam pepper-scatter-scatter that almost destroyed the integrity of the party before registered electorates.
That and unpleasantly feathered greeted another heavy hiccups. The National leader of the party, the 'godfather', a huge factor that has paid so much receiving delegates, party leaders in last 7 months was open to two options; support a candidate that has the mark of true progressivism - benchmark at which the party is conceived from ACN to APC, or throw his banter-weight behind anyone with financial power to muscle out votes from Ondo, since the bane of every electoral tussle in any democratic setting is winning power. Typical of Tinubu, he is always in between wits and ideas of these aspirants. Always and never in the business to lose. His style of choosing ideal leadership has been challenged recently but, equivocally, prime and in best position to surrender mantle of winning strategy to whoever wins the party ticket. For many reasons, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's interest in Ondo election goes beyond sentiments of controlling or suckling the South West. This, some pervert failed to realize. What more can Ondo give to a man that sacrificed his chances of becoming the number one citizen for unity of Nigeria -very unlikely of Asiwaju. If Tinubu must stake his all for this election, it is in interest of APC, the party he spent huge amount of his abundance resources to build; human and material, traveling and traversing the shore of Nigeria selling to Nigerians once again why politics should not threaten our oneness and culture as a nation.
In long run, the 2,985 delegates will have to choose between these three leading aspirants. Doing this, they owe us their party loyalty. They must commit and prove to Nigerians and people of Ondo State the desire to fight Mimiko and his imposed candidate, Jegede, out of he race. They must ensure Ondo State is returned to progressively-made state, where democratic dividends are enjoyed by the people and not starved. Delegates of APC must re-write history by voting a sellable candidate that may win and cause a great economic turnover with the tenacious available resources allocated.
Aggressively, they have campaigned, turning the button of towns and villages in Ondo to campaign ground, nosing investigations branded them the real contenders. Camping the delegates is not enough to judge aspirants pedigree, neither is tribal sentiments enough to cap the figure around any of them.
Those with vast knowledge of leadership and governance with good command of street credibility and party relationship should stand tall while considering other factors.
As it gets clearer today, there is Dr Michael Olusegun Abraham from Ikare-Akoko, A successful businessman and enterpreneur. One of the founding members of APC in Ondo State, whose political economy success could pave if elected, and unarguably Tinubu's candidate today.
Two, in Ondo APC history, Professor Ajayi Borrofice is another leading light that has in no small measure contributed immensely to the expansion of the party beyond his senatorial might. A two-term Senator with impeccable degree of leadership milestone is also in the race.
And finally, Olusola Oke. He decamped from People's Democractic Party to APC. He is touted as the most politically-experienced among them. He has served in several capacities under PDP. It came second at the last governorship election behind Olusegun Mimiko of Labour Party, LP.
At this juncture, Tinubu will have to fight through his democratic belief cum culture, and face merit and sentiments to determine who his heavy support cap fits. In the long run, the oracle decided way long before nightfalls. His voice opens a bigger worm for the analyst, gladiators and party leaders took heels before the race.
Consequently, the election was postponed to appease and douse tensions. Presidency however, cremated the peace deal assuring the aspirants and delegates of fair and share after-all. These are obvious but least debacle that have characterized the election so far, not more than the usual stalemate.
At the mercy of reclaiming the state from the lust of vicious Mimiko and his minions, the delegates must appreciate the value of the onus. It is the parameter at which the road to Alagbaka could be and points on all delegates and party leaders.
On this premise, I charge the people to be ready to receive All Progressives Congress at Alagbaka, Abraham blessing may be enough for the party to unseat out vote again.
'Segun Adegbenro Maxwell
Writes from Lekki, Lagos
@maxwellcares
08039266540