The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has assured opposition parties in Ondo that the party will maintain control in the state amidst the coming November governorship election.
News About Nigeria reports that he pledged a fair primary for all 16 aspirants vying for the party’s ticket.
Speaking through Deputy National Organising Secretary Nze Chidi Duru, Ganduje emphasised the party’s commitment to ensuring a transparent primary process in Ondo State.
He referenced the recent successful primary in Edo State as a model for fairness.
Ganduje noted that, despite initial doubts, the unity within the party after the Edo primary bodes well for success in both Edo and Ondo states.
He closed the submission process for aspirants, announcing the upcoming screening and primary election schedule.
Nze Duru confirmed the submission of forms by Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayiedatiwa and 15 other aspirants, including women like Engr. Funmilayo Mary Whaeed Adekojo and Engr. (Mrs.) Funke Omogoroye Folakemi Judith.
The aspirants also include notable figures like Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and APC National Vice Chairman (South West) Duerimini Isaacs Kekemeke.
He said, “Of the 16 of you that purchased the form, 15 have submitted it, and you have closed the gate as number 16 today marks the formal closure of the first step of the exercise towards nominating and electing the person that would fly the flag of our party in the forthcoming gubernatorial exercise in Ondo state.
“Being the last day of closure of submission of forms and after today, the next exercise would be the screening exercise that would take place on the 11th and 12th of April, next week after that would then the primary’s proper.
Senator Ibrahim, a contender in the primary election, has earlier dismissed allegations of an anointed candidate purportedly endorsed by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the APC National Secretariat on Thursday, Ibrahim said that the ticket remains open to all aspirants, labelling the pursuit of endorsements as “stupid”.
