AYEDATIWA ADVANTAGE: WHY APC IS POISED TO WIN ONDO STATE ELECTION

The upcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for November 16th, 2024, in Ondo State will see a fierce contest between two major political figures: the incumbent governor, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the former deputy governor, His Excellency Alfred Agboola Ajayi, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Both parties are known for their experienced leaders and established political strategies and structures in the state. However, the APC appears to have a significant advantage over the PDP due to several key factors. The APC’s political structure in Ondo State is well-organised and robust. Over the years, the party has built an extensive grassroots network capable of mobilising support across the state’s 18 local governments and the newly created Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). This strong organisational foundation gives the APC an edge in effectively reaching voters and securing support in critical areas.

In recent months, the APC has benefitted from a wave of high-profile defections from the PDP, which has weakened the opposition. The defection of key figures, including the former governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Olusegun Mimiko, and a significant portion of his supporters has severely impacted the PDP’s ability to compete. This has shifted the balance of power further in favour of the ruling APC, as these defections not only diminish the PDP’s strength but also bolster the APC’s credibility and influence across the state.

His Excellency Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa’s leadership has also played a vital role in the APC’s current position of strength. His reputation for promoting stability and development, as well as his ability to maintain unity within the party, has made the APC a formidable political force in Ondo State. Under his leadership, the APC has managed to maintain a cohesive and focused campaign, further enhancing the party’s prospects in the upcoming election.

Another crucial factor working in favour of the APC is its effective grassroots mobilisation, especially the newly appointed SSAs and SAs across the 18 local governments areas of the state. Local politicians and party leaders across the state are actively working to promote the APC and ensure that it remains at the forefront of voters’ minds. This level of grassroots engagement, combined with the party’s existing structure, makes it difficult for the opposition to compete on the same level.

In contrast, the PDP has faced a series of setbacks that have significantly diminished its chances in the election. Internal conflicts and leadership struggles at both the national and state levels within the party have resulted in a lack of unity, making it difficult for the PDP to mount a cohesive campaign. The mass defections of key leaders, including Dr Olusegun Mimiko and other influential figures like the former House of Representatives members, Hon Kolade Akinjo, and Hon. Joseph Akinlaja, Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele, Hon. Ladi Alaba Ojomo and Engr. Gboye Adegbenro has drained the party of its political backbone and left it with fewer resources and less influence in critical areas of the state.

Furthermore, the PDP’s political machinery has weakened considerably. Unlike the APC, the PDP has struggled to maintain an effective campaign presence due to a lack of coordination and diminished financial resources. This has further hindered the party’s ability to reach voters and build momentum ahead of the election.

As a result, the APC is in a much stronger position to win the upcoming gubernatorial election without much stress. The combination of a solid political structure, experienced leadership, effective grassroots mobilisation, and the recent defections from the PDP has significantly tipped the scales in favour of the APC. The PDP, while still a significant political force, is facing an uphill battle, as it has lost many of its key leaders and lacks the organisational strength to effectively challenge the ruling party, the APC.

To cap it all, the APC’s superior political structure, strategic alliances, and recent defections from the PDP give it a clear advantage in the November 16th election. The PDP’s internal challenges and loss of key political figures have weakened its position, making it difficult for the party to compete on an equal footing with the APC. This has set the stage for what could be a decisive victory for the APC in the upcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election.

*Coordinator And Founder; AYEDATIWA IMAGE MAKERS (AIM) SAY NO TO ANTI-PARTY*

*TOPE LIBERTY CARES*