By Samuel Olaniyan (Ag. Editor)

Barely three months to the primary election of the All Progressive Congress (APC) primaries, the aspirants have begun closing in to the ultimate show-down.

Igbotako-born billionaire and Senator representing Ondo South, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim has continued to set the pace with his radical strategic moves to win the primaries as Hon Wale Akinterinwa woos top party leaders.

Powerful woman of Ondo politics, Princess Oladunni Odu and incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and serial contestant, Chief Olusola Oke, SAN are said to be weighing their options whether to run or not to run.

According to party sourcecs, it is not likely that any of the top ten aspirants at the moment would stop step down for another. The top runners are Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Hon Wale Akinterinwa, Princess Oladunni Odu, Chief Olusola Oke and Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Sources told Ikale News that Aiyedatiwa wants to complete burial rites of his former boss the late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu before announcing his intention to run, although his competitors were already laying land mines for him, alleging that some of his educational qualifications have k-leg.

“The emergence of Aiyedatiwa as Governor” said a source, “ has complicated Oke’s prospects because they are both Ilaje. If the two of them go into the primaries, that would decimate Ilaje votes. Odu has his followers and may become the bride of the primaries as she would never support Aiydatiwa and anyone who is not Ikale or Ilaje.”

The major disadvantage of Akinterinwa is not coming from a populist section of Ondo South. He is from Ile Oluji Oke Igbo. Otherwise, he is a good candidate.

“Ikale and Ilaje would not vote outside the old Okitipupa Division The have the numbers because they see themselves as one. So, a good strategy for Akinterinwa is to look up North and Central” a party top notch told our political correspondent.

Barely three months to the primary election of the All Progressive Congress (APC) primaries, the aspirants have begun closing in to the ultimate show-down.

Igbotako-born billionaire and Senator representing Ondo South, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim has continued to set the pace with his radical strategic moves to win the primaries as Hon Wale Akinterinwa woos top party leaders.

Powerful woman of Ondo politics, Princess Oladunni Odu and incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and serial contestant, Chief Olusola Oke, SAN are said to be weighing their options whether to run or not to run.

According to party sourcecs, it is not likely that any of the top ten aspirants at the moment would stop step down for another. The top runners are Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Hon Wale Akinterinwa, Princess Oladunni Odu, Chief Olusola Oke and Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Sources told Ikale News that Aiyedatiwa wants to complete burial rites of his former boss the late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu before announcing his intention to run, although his competitors were already laying land mines for him, alleging that some of his educational qualifications have k-leg.

“The emergence of Aiyedatiwa as govnrnor” said a souorce, “ has complicated Oke’s prospects because they are both Ilaje. If the two of them go into the primaries, that would decimate Ilaje votes. Odu has his followers and may become the bride of the primaries as she would never support Aiydatiwa and anyone who is not Ikale or Ilaje.”

The major disadvantage of Akinterinwa is not coming from a populist section of Ondo South. He is from Ile Oluji Oke Igbo. Otherwise, he is a good candidate

“Ikale and Ilaje would not vote outside the old Okitipupa Division The have the numbers because they see themselves as one. So, a good strategy for Akinterinwa is to look up North and Central” a party top notch told our political correspondent.

All of the candidates are claiming that Abuja is behind then so far and at the end of the day, the aspirant who could mobilize more supporters may win the hearf of Aso Villa’s power brokers.

Said an APC stalwart in Akure: “The aspirants are so lucky. The understanding is solid that it is the turn of Ondo South and this makes the race open for people from the South. Don’t mind those claiming Abuja connection. All of them have Abuja contacts. What Tinubu told them was that all of them should go a work.

GoIng the dynamic realm of Nigerian politics, one name that has recently captured the attention of Ondo State residents is Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, a seasoned politician representing Ondo South Senatorial district. As the sun sets on the current political landscape, Ibrahim has taken the adage \"make hay while the sun shines\" to heart, embarking on a calculated political journey with aspirations reaching towards the Ondo State governorship in 2024.

Known for his astuteness in business, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim appears to be translating his strategic acumen to the political arena, setting the stage well in advance of many others eyeing future political offices. It\'s a move that aligns with his belief in starting early, a strategy that has evidently paid off in his successful ventures in the business world.

A recent event provided a platform for Ibrahim to showcase his achievements during his tenure as a Senator, despite the relatively short period. In a display of confidence and commitment to the public, he outlined his vision for the future, promising to build on his past accomplishments and better understand the needs of the people.

His political agenda revolves around key pillars: Education, Health, Job Creation, and Infrastructure. These areas, he believes, are critical for the overall development and progress of Ondo State. With a resolute vow to implement all his promises, Ibrahim seems poised to bring a fresh perspective to governance, rooted in tangible improvements and results.

Commencing his consultation tour from Ondo Central, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has garnered notable acceptance, indicating a positive reception from the people. The resonance of his message and the warmth of reception suggest that he may indeed be on track to make a significant difference in the political landscape of Ondo State.

As Ondo residents keenly observe the unfolding political narrative, the emergence of Jimoh Ibrahim as a gubernatorial aspirant introduces an element of anticipation. Will his strategic approach and commitment to governance usher in a new era of progress for Ondo State? Only time will tell. As the political journey unfolds, residents await further insights into Senator Jimoh Ibrahim\'s blueprint for a brighter and more prosperous Ondo in 2024.

Analysists predict that anti-Aiyedatiwa members of the state-exco ware determined to frustrate any effort by Aiyedatiwa to join the race. Because Aiyedatiwa had not been involved in contract awards under Aketi, it would be hard to find him culpable of corrupt practices. Some members of the Oppostion party(the People’s Democratic Party, PDP) have threatened to take Aiyedatiwa to court over alleged inconstitencies in his academic qualifications, which the governor termed “mere distractions” for him.

Most of the candidates are not pacing up because of the inability to raise funds for their campaigns. Meanwhile, billionaire Jimoh Ibrahiim continues to build the party structures from the ground upwards, donating vital funds for running the parties.

Head of Media of Aseyori Group, Senator JImoh;’ special purpose political war-horse told Ikale News:

“We have just completed our consultations with party leaders at local government levels via the senatorial districts. In the next two weeks, we are going to do ward-to-ward meetings. Senator Jimoh believes the first primary step is to consultant people at the grassroots. So far so good”

The PDP is still restructuring in order to wrestle power from the APC government. The party is banking on major disagreements within the APC to coast home to victory in the October election

“There has to be a major division in the APC to have a good chance of winning the election. That is the only way the party can win in Ondo State,”he declared.

Most of the contestants whose names are being bandied about have not declared on the platform of the PDP. But the party is still shopping for a good candidate.

“We heard that retired army general, Felix Ohunyeye was going the guber battle but effort to lure him to PDP failed at the last stages as he opted for the APC.