Fatshimetrie recently covered the intense political competition for the governorship position in Akure during the indirect primaries held on Thursday, April 25, 2024. Mr. Ajayi emerged victorious over six other candidates to secure the nomination with 264 votes out of the 619 votes cast. His competitors, Bamidele Akingboye, Adeolu Akinwumi, Sola Ebiseni, John Mafo, Kolade Akinjo, and Bosun Arebuwa, secured varying numbers of votes in the tightly contested race.
A former deputy governor during the late Ondo State governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s first term, Ajayi distinguished himself in the battle for the candidacy. His political journey includes breaking away from Akeredolu during the re-election campaign in 2021, leading him to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and eventually the Zenith Labor Party (ZLP) after failing to secure the PDP nomination.
The upcoming election sets the stage for a showdown between Ajayi and the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who assumed office after the death of his predecessor in December 2023. Aiyedatiwa clinched the APC candidacy in a fiercely contested primary, prevailing over prominent figures like Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and Olusola Oke.
The electoral landscape in Akure is poised for excitement and unpredictability, with both candidates vying for the leadership role. The outcome of this election will significantly impact the future political trajectory of Akure and its people, presenting voters with a critical decision-making opportunity to shape their community’s direction.
The rivalry between Ajayi and Aiyedatiwa guarantees a riveting electoral contest, offering residents a chance to exercise their democratic rights and influence the governance of their region. As the election approaches, Akure braces itself for a period of momentous political engagement and transformation.