Looking at unfolding events in respect of today’s primary elections in Ondo, the power of incumbency seems to be playing out to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s advantage. However, it is not still certain how he can use this instrument successfully to ride to ultimate victory.
Out of eleven APC candidates standing election against Akeredolu, one, Engr. Ifeoluwa Ayodele, stepped down for the governor yesterday night. And today July 20, three others – Dr Olusegun Abraham, Jimi Odimayo and Dr. Bath Adojutelegan, also stepped down for him. This gives the governor a brighter opportunity.
Before now, the governor was virtually estranged by his political allies and associates, some of whom came up to contest against him. His deputy, Agboola Ajayi, deserted him to PDP and worked assiduously to take over while the governor was in isolation from COVID-19 infection.
Besides allegations of corruption, many of his political colleagues claim the governor has exhausted himself, and so should honourably step down for more development ideas to flow in. That, in their view, is the only way to save APC from sliding into extinction in the state.
Today is a decisive day for the embattled governor, in particular, to move forward or surrender at the end of this first tenure.