Ondo Elections: Factions cross carpet to SDP

As the governorship election in Ondo State approaches, a coalition of factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially endorsed Benson Akingboye, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, over the APC’s own candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. This coalition includes groups such as Ondo Patriots, Ondo APC Solidarity Group, Jagaban Coalition, and the APC Youth League, who express concerns about Aiyedatiwa’s selection and leadership capabilities.

In a statement on Sunday, Comrade Dele Oyewo of Ondo Patriots criticized the process that led to Aiyedatiwa’s nomination, calling it flawed and a slight to electoral fairness. He argued that Akingboye’s business experience and “spiritual insights” make him a more viable candidate for the future of Ondo.

The coalition dismissed rumors suggesting that SDP members were defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), labeling such claims as “fabrications by PDP governors.” They affirmed Akingboye’s longstanding commitment to Ondo’s progress, having previously contributed to the PDP for 24 years before joining the APC.

According to the coalition, Akingboye presents a unique strategy, particularly for addressing the decline in Ondo’s industrial sector. They aim to revitalize industries such as Oluwa Glass in Okitipupa and the Olosunta Oil Palm Industry, which have faced stagnation under the current administration.

“With Benson Akingboye in charge, Ondo has the potential for a transformative industrial future,” said Oyewo, highlighting the growing factional divide within the APC that could influence the political landscape in Ondo ahead of the election.