Oyo APC guber primary : Who wears the crown? || By Akinyode Ishola

BEYOND reasonable doubt, the 2019 general elections is gathering momentum as the gubernatorial hopefuls under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state are increasing on a daily basis.

Since the country returned to civilian rule in 1999, this is the first time an interesting number of political gladiators, irrespective of political faith are showing their interests to contest for the number one seat in the state.

For Instance in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), it was reported that at least 14 notable aspirants had earlier declared their intentions officially at its Oke -Ado state party secretariat or local governments and wards respectfully.

While posters, banners and billboards of other aspirants also flood the state revealing an inexhaustible number of governorship aspirants eyeing the Agodi Government House.

With the registration of another 26 more political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), only God knows how political parties will present their Governorship candidates in the 2019 election in the state.

For the purpose of this discussion, it is imperative to critically analyse the chances of some APC aspirants ahead of the party’s guber primary billed for September.

This analysis will also be extended to some major political parties in the state with a view of given our numerous readers critical analysis and possibility of these aspirants to clinch the ticket of their respective political parties.

Without mincing words, the 8-year administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi has necessitated the passion and interest people have for Governorship seat in the state.

Indeed everybody wants to become ‘Mr Constituted Authority’ (CA).

Unlike 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 and ,2015 where few aspirants declared their intention. The September Governorship primary election of the APC as predicted will have at least 10 to 15 aspirants except last minute consultation and permutation which is a perpetual act during the primary elections

Method of the primary elections

As at the time of this analysis, how the primary elections will be conducted is not clearly stated, whether it is consensus candidate, Delegates’ or Direct Primary elections as it was the determinant factor in the just concluded Osun state Primary Governorship election in the APC.

No fewer than 6 aspirants were currently serving under Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration Including Secretary to the state Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli, Commissioner for Health, Dr Azeez Adeduntan, his land and Survey counterpart, Mr Ajiboye Omodewu, Immediate past Oyo state Head of Service and Executive Assistant to the Governor, Mr Soji Eniade, former Commissioner for Natural Resources and now Special Adviser on Natural Resources, Chief Olanrewaju Abogun and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on political matters, Barrister Moronkola Thomas are jostling to be occupant of Agodi Government House.

Other aspirants who are not members of Ajimobi’s cabinet include former governor Adebayo Alao Akala, the immediate past Deputy Governor, Operations Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Bayo Adelabu, Strategies and lead Partner KPMG, Engr Olasunkanmi Tegbe , Former Chief Press Secretary to late Oyo state Governor, Alhaji Lam Adesina, Mr Kehinde Olaosebikan, the Ibarapa born business magnate, Dr. Olusola Ayansola, Former Commissioner for Health, Dr Owolabi Babalola and few other aspirants also intensified efforts through their consultation with the party executives and members to be the next Governor of the pace setter state.

All these aspirants were eminently qualified to succeed Governor Ajimobi based on their academic qualifications and political experience.

Although September is around the corner, who will be the next standard bearer of the party is a serious task for the governor and the party executives as aspirants have begun their permutations and political calculations.

With less than few weeks to the APC Governorship Primary election rumour and false information has dominated the social media platforms spreading unconfirmed stories and analysis.

This is not new in politics especially at the twilight of any administration and when political mood seems to have been activated. It is however, important to verify the source of information before diffusing it in order to protect the Nigeria nascent democracy.

To be continued…

By Akinyode Ishola (Mega Icon Magazine, Political Desk)