Ahead of the forthcoming Ondo State governorship election, several groups within the All Progressives Congress have declared their support for the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Benson Akingboye.
The groups, comprising Ondo Patriots, Ondo APC Solidarity Group, Jagaban Coalition, and APC Youth League, stated they are backing Akingboye as they consider him the better candidate.
In a statement on Sunday, the groups, led by Comrade Dele Oyewo of Ondo Patriots, claimed that the process leading to the emergence of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as APC’s governorship candidate was flawed.
The statement added, “Benson Akingboye, having reviewed his life achievements, especially in the business sector and through some spiritual insights, is believed to represent a beacon of light for Ondo State, set to shine over darkness from February 2025.
“In line with the principles of the law of karma, we, the members of various APC groups in Ondo State, led by Comrade Dele Oyewo of Ondo Patriots and other groups like the Ondo APC Solidarity Group, Jagaban Coalition, and APC Youth League, consider the endorsement of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to be not only an anomaly against electoral laws, which require free and fair primaries but also a disservice to the dignity of our nation. Consequently, we fully reject his candidacy.
“We also use this medium to urge the general public to disregard the misinformation regarding an alleged defection of some SDP members to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This rumour is a fabrication, a total distortion promoted by PDP governors with a malicious agenda.
“The Benson Akingboye we know has a deep-rooted history in the PDP, having spent 24 years building the party. Now in the APC, many groups and individuals are eager to support him, recognising his record of service, love for humanity, and understanding of the consequences of voting for Aiyedatiwa, even for an additional year as governor.
“We boldly declare that SDP is currently the most popular party in Ondo State. As this election approaches, we believe the party and its candidate offer a better choice, set to dismantle the castles of lies constructed by the APC and PDP.”
The groups noted that Akingboye, “an industrialist and friend of humanity, with substantial achievements in business, possesses a unique spiritual advantage that could be a catalyst for positive change in the deteriorating system of Ondo State as an industrial hub.
“With Benson Akingboye at the helm in Ondo State, we are confident he will bring about transformation. The revitalisation of Oluwa Glass in Okitipupa and the Olosunta Oil Palm Industry, among others that are now moribund, will be achieved, overcoming the odds of incompetence and corruption seen today.”