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Ondo 2024: Akinterinwa meets APC SWC, formally declares for Governor

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7 months ago

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Frontline aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo state Hon. Wale Akinterinwa, on Tuesday, visited the state secretariat of the APC in Akure, where he formally declared his intention to contest the state Governorship election billed for later this year.
Accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Oluremi Akinterinwa, and a host of notable party leaders from across the 18 local government areas of the state, Akinterinwa met with members of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party during the visit.
During the program, Barr. Ajisafe introduced Hon. Akinterinwa’s campaign team, which included the member of the House of Representatives representing Ile-Oluji/Odigbo and past commissioners in the state.
The APC state chairman, Engineer Ade Adetimehin, supported by the party’s publicity secretary, Mr Alex Kalejaiye took turns to introduce other members of the state Working Committee to Hon. Wale Akinterinwa and his team.
In his address, Wale Akinterinwa outlined his extensive educational career and political experience, spanning from Lagos to Ondo State. He passionately presented his plans for the government and people of Ondo State if he is elected governor.
Emphasizing his commitment to the well-being of the people and evelopment of the state, Akinterinwa highlighted several key areas of focus.
According to him, emphasis would be placed on the following key areas:
(i) Education: Improving the quality of education at all levels, from primary to tertiary.
(ii) Healthcare: Expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare services.
(ii) Infrastructure: Investing in critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and energy.
(iv) Agriculture: Boosting agricultural productivity and creating job opportunities in the agricultural sector.
(v) Youth Empowerment: Providing skills training, employment opportunities, and support for young people.
Speaking further, the frontline aspirant emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration within the party to ensure a successful election

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LG Elections: Senator Yayi Criticises Governor Abiodun Over Alleged Imposition of Candidates

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3 weeks ago

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October 12, 2024

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Senator Adeola Olamilekan, popularly known as Senator Yayi, representing Ogun West Senatorial District, expressed strong concerns over the upcoming local government elections in Ogun State. His remarks followed the heated discussion on the Benue LGA elections, which Senator Abba Moro described as a “sham” on the Senate Order Paper. Yayi drew parallels between the situation in Benue and what he termed “undemocratic practices” in Ogun State.
Speaking on the matter, Senator Yayi highlighted the increasing interference by state governors in local government elections, specifically pointing fingers at Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for allegedly handpicking candidates for the upcoming local government polls without conducting proper primaries. According to Yayi, all candidates vying for the 20 chairmanship positions and 236 ward councillor seats in Ogun State’s LGAs were selected based on their loyalty to the governor rather than their competence or popular support.
The senator further alleged that the chosen candidates, all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were required to swear an oath of loyalty to Governor Abiodun and the candidates reportedly submitted letters of resignation, effectively surrendering their positions even before assuming office, ensuring that they would remain under the governor’s control, all these alleged to have happened at Mitros Hall, located opposite the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta.
Senator Yayi expressed his frustration over the exclusion of party members who maintained ties with other influential political figures in the state, including former governors and himself. β€œThis imposition of candidates and deliberate sidelining of legitimate party members is not only undemocratic but also dangerous for the future of local governance,” Yayi remarked, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Governor Dapo Abiodun is not the first Ogun State leader to face accusations of manipulating local government elections. Former governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, had similarly been criticized during his tenure for allegedly imposing candidates in local elections, sparking tensions within the state’s APC structure. Other governors in Nigeria, such as Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue and Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna, have also faced similar accusations, raising concerns about the broader issue of state interference in grassroots democracy across the country.
One of the key issues raised by Senator Yayi, and echoed by several other senators during the debate, is the negative impact of not granting local governments full autonomy. Local government autonomy is seen as a vital aspect of democracy, ensuring that grassroots governance is effective, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people. However, the current practice in most states, where governors exercise disproportionate control over local government elections, undermines this principle.
Critics argue that when state governments handpick local government candidates, it leads to a breakdown in democratic processes at the grassroots level. Local government officials, often mere extensions of the governor’s political machinery, become unresponsive to the electorate’s needs. This top-down control stifles innovation, hampers development projects, and creates an environment where local government executives are more loyal to the state governor than the people they were elected to serve.
Senator Yayi stressed that the situation in Ogun State is emblematic of a larger national problem. β€œIf we continue to allow state governments to hijack the local government electoral process, we are undermining democracy itself,” he warned. β€œLocal governments must be allowed to function independently, free from the political manoeuvrings of state governors.”
As Ogun State prepares for its local government elections, the growing dissatisfaction among stakeholders like Senator Yayi raises important questions about the legitimacy of the process. The allegations of candidate imposition and demands for oaths of loyalty represent a significant challenge to democratic norms, and they highlight the urgent need for reform in the relationship between state and local governments in Nigeria.
With tensions rising within Ogun’s APC structure and the local government elections looming, all eyes will be on Governor Dapo Abiodun to see whether the elections will reflect the true will of the people or remain another example of state-level control over grassroots governance.

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APC chieftain Akinterinwa felicitates Adejoke Orelope Adefulure on 65th birthday

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1 month ago

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September 29, 2024

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Wale Akinterinwa, has extended his warm congratulations to the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, on her 65th birthday anniversary.

In a statement on Sunday, Akinterinwa described Orelope-Adefulire, the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State as an iconic woman whose remarkable leadership traits continue to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians and humanity.

Akinterinwa maintained that Orelope-Adefulire has displayed exemplary leadership and compassion both in her private and official capacities.

He praised her for her ‘unforgettable’ contributions to the growth and development of Ile-Oluji community in Ondo state.

The statement reads, β€œOn behalf of myself, my family and the good people of Ile-Oluji, I celebrate an iconic woman, the Special Adviser to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.

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Senator Gbenga Daniel Congratulates Edo Governor-Elect Monday Okpebholo

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1 month ago

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September 24, 2024

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Otunba Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East senatorial district and former governor of Ogun State has extended his congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo following his victory in the Edo State Governorship election held on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
In a message on behalf of the people of Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Daniel commended Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their success in the polls.
Daniel highlighted Okpebholo’s previous role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, where he earned a reputation as a standout leader. He praised Okpebholo for his contributions to the committee, noting his leadership and strong relationships with fellow members.
β€œYour campaign efforts in towns and villages, combined with your humility and respectful engagement with voters across party lines, have paid off,” Daniel said. He described Okpebholo as a β€œdeep thinker” and β€œhighly responsible strategist,” adding that his election marks a victory for Edo State.
In his closing remark, Otunba Gbenga Daniel concluded by offering his best wishes to Okpebholo as he embarks on his new role as Governor of Edo State, assuring him of his highest regards.
The congratulatory message underscores the unity within the APC and the shared optimism for the newly elected governor’s administration in Edo State.

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