APC Aspirants Challenge Aiyedatiwa’s ‘No Vacancy’ Claim in Ondo State Governorship Race

The race for the governorship seat is heating up as All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants have taken on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his recent declaration that there is “no vacancy” at the state government house.

This comes ahead of the party’s primary election scheduled for April 20. Aiyedatiwa made his statement following his screening at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Friday, April 13, 2024.

The governor, who is seeking reelection, emphasized that his WAEC certificate is not forged and urged his detractors to “repent and try to go to the field and work.”

He believes that the seat is not vacant, which is why his opponents are trying to undermine him. Aiyedatiwa also claimed to have the structures, people, and competence required to retain his position.

However, some of his fellow APC members have not taken kindly to his statement.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim dismissed Aiyedatiwa’s assertion as a “huge joke,” stating that the governor will be out of the race after the primary.

He believes that Aiyedatiwa has never won an election, casting doubt on his ability to secure the party’s ticket.

Chief Olusola Oke, another aspirant, criticized the governor’s statement as an attempt to undermine the democratic process.

He argued that the people should determine who occupies the governorship seat, and that Aiyedatiwa’s claim of no vacancy is a mere wish and desire.

Dr Olusoji Ehinlanwo echoed these sentiments, stating that Aiyedatiwa’s claim is not a threat to his own ambitions.

He believes that the governor’s one-year term will end in February 2025, after which there will be a vacancy for a new governor.

The APC governorship primary in Ondo State is set to be a fiercely contested affair, with both Aiyedatiwa and his opponents confident in their chances of securing the party’s ticket.

As the race heats up, it remains to be seen whether Aiyedatiwa’s “no vacancy” claim will hold true or if one of his challengers will emerge victorious.