Mr Ade Adetimehin, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has tasked members of the party in the state to work in the overall interest of the party for the 2023 general elections.
Adetimehin made the appeal during a meeting with the party leaders on Wednesday in Akure
“On this note, it is now imperative to call the attention of all party leaders and stakeholders in the state to adhere to Mr Governor’s decision and charge our delegates to act in the interest of the party so that credible aspirants who will win for the party in the general election can emerge.
“Gov. Akeredolu is known for his fearless stances and “Talk and Do” beliefs.
“He has repeatedly called for fairness, equity and justice for all interests even beyond the shore of Ondo State.
” It is consequently believed that Mr Governor’s decisions shall be strictly followed by the party leadership in the state and unarguably gives room for a level-plain ground contrary to the imposition rumours in some baseless quarters,” he said.
According to him, the governor has reiterated a level-playing ground primaries for aspirants vying for political offices in 2023 in the state especially where consensus could not be reached.
“It would be recalled that the Governor at a meeting in Cocoa Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure had called on all National and State Assembly aspirants from the state to discuss a way forward in ensuring APC win across the state.
“The governor who had assured aspirants to provide a level-playing field advised that they do not have to all enter into the race in such a large number. He, however, called for negotiation and consideration of consensus where applicable,” he stated.
The chairman noted that the governor alongside with him in a meeting with the State Working Committee of the party had thrown open some senatorial districts, federal and state constituencies for a contest among the party’s aspirants.
He added that Gov. Akeredolu had mandated that very transparent and fair primaries be conducted owing to the fact that consensus could not be reached in the senatorial districts, federal and state constituencies.
“Mr Governor in the meeting urged all party delegates to exercise their franchise and present the best candidates and party flagbearers at the polls,” he said.
The districts and constituencies thrown opened for contest are: Ondo Central Senatorial, Ondo South Senatorial District, Ileoluji/Okeigbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency, Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency, Ile-oluji/Okeigbo Constituency in the National Assembly.
Others are: Odigbo Constituency 1, Akure South Constituency 1 in the state House of Assembly.