A socio-political group within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, known as the Omoluabi Coalition, revealed that Olusola Oke remains the standout choice among the over 10 aspirants vying for the ticket of the party in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The group disclosed that Oke emerged as the most suitable candidate for the APC ticket, outshining other contenders including Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa and Jimoh Ibrahim after carrying out what it described as a thorough evaluation process on the capabilities and potentials of the aspirants.
In a communiqué issued after a meeting held in Akure, the state capital, the Director General of the Omoluabi Coalition, Tunji Balogun, emphasised that Oke possessed the requisite qualities to effectively lead Ondo State.
Balogun highlighted Oke’s widespread popularity and appeal, both at the grassroots and across party lines, as key factors that set him apart from the other aspirants.
The group further advised the party to be weary of fielding a candidate that might be an albatross to the victory of the party in the November polls.
He said: “We believe in continuation. We believe in somebody who will continue where Akeredolu stopped. We need a competent candidate. Presenting a candidate who has a stain or certificate scandal. The APC should be wise in picking a candidate.
“The party should be diligent. The most qualified is Chief Olusola Oke. He is tested. He knows all the nooks and crannies of the state. He is not a tutelage in politics.”
According to the group, “That Chief Olusola Oke of all the aspirants appears, in our views, to tick all the parameters or yardsticks.
“Aside from having the grassroots appeal that cuts across the three senatorial districts of the state, he has a wide network of national recognition, having worked at the top echelon of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the national level for years, which gave him that prominence beyond local politics.
“His cult followership as well as unblemished records of no scandal whatsoever are also an added advantage for him.
“Ipso facto, we therefore rise from this press conference and submit that, as the umbrella body of the global Yorùbá foremost group, we believe the candidature of Chief Olusola Oke (SAN) will represent various interests that cut across all divides.
“His choice will create a centripetal force that will ultimately decimate any opposition in the state.
“The state at this critical time needs a leader who can mend fences, calm frayed nerves, and bring all progressives together as one force to deliver a resounding victory for the ruling party.”