Ahead of Saturday’s governorship primary of All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ondo, the Campaign Organisation of the late Otunba (Dr) Paul Akintelure (DPA), on Thursday, collapsed its structure into the political structure of a leading aspirant in the race, Chief Olusola Oke.
This was disclosed in a statement issued and signed by the Director General/ Coordinator and General Secretary of the group, Hon.(Dr.). Bello Adeluse Obe and Comrade (Mrs.) Usor Eteng respectively, who said the development became necessary to ensure victory for Oke in next Saturday’s election.
According to them, the group resolved to align and throw their weight behind the aspiration of Oke after a crucial meeting and thorough examination of the lineup for this important election in terms of their background, antecedents, and ability to deliver the needed aspirations and yearnings of the good people of Ondo state.
The group, however, directed all its members across the 18 local government areas of the state to support and vote for Oke in the primary election coming up on Saturday, to emerge as the flag bearer of the party.
Obe said the decision to support and join Oke’s ambition was unanimous and was arrived at after a careful assessment of all the aspirants, with focus on competence, capacity, and character, saying Oke’s antecedent had placed him above every other aspirants jostling for the ticket.
He said Oke as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria has the intellectual capacity to lead the state as the governor, describing him as a “man of multi dimensional capabilities who can turn the fortunes of Ondo State around for better.”
The group statement reads: “The Campaign Organisation of late Otunba (Dr) Paul Akintelure (DPA), has opted to support Chief Olusola Oke in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries coming up on Saturday 20th April 2024.
“This unanimous decision was taken today, 17th April 2024 after a meeting of leaders and local government coordinators of the campaign organisation chaired by its Director General, Hon(Dr) Bello Adeluse Obe”
The group said “Oke has the political sagacity to unify the people of Ondo State, as well as intellectual capacity to develop the state to modern standards. He is also a grassroots politician and household name in Ondo state political space.
“The campaign organisation also enjoined members of the APC to vote massively For Olusola Oke on Saturday”
Leaders of the DPA present at the meeting include, Chairman of APC in Akure South local government, Chief Olu Ojo, former Hon. Dele Fagoriola, a former Executive Chairman of Akure North local government council, Hon. Charles Adeduro, Former Executive Chairman Of Ondo East local government council.
The list also includes, former executive Chairman of Idanre local government council, Hon Biyi Ayannuola, Comrade Paul Ogbaji, PRO of non-indigene support group (NISG), and a host of other dignitaries.
It will be recalled that Dr Paul Akintelure died on 26th March 2024 after a very brief illness in Lagos.
Until his death, he was a frontline governorship aspirant who was highly favored to win the governorship primaries.