As the race to Ondo state governorship election slated for November 2024 gathers momentum, coordinator Ondo state Youth Development(OSYD), Akinweminu Olugbade gave critical assessment of the candidates adding that only the best of them should emerge as the Peoples Democratic Party candidate afyer the exercise.
Chief Sola Ebiseni:
His extensive experience as a former commissioner is overshadowed by concerns that his nomination could harm the PDP.
Chief Ebisen role as the Southwest Coordinator for the Obi/Datti campaign and criticism of the PDP’s presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar are viewed as undermining the party’s election chances
He is also seen as someone who readily abandons the party when circumstances don’t favor him, as evidenced by his actions in 2016, 2020, and 2023 when he left and worked against the PDP after not being selected as the candidate.
His emergence as a candidate is potentially polarizing and signals the party’s decline in the state.
Criticisms against him include inconsistencies, a narrow rather than broad support base, and extremely poor financial strength.
Hailing from the underperforming Ilaje LGA, doubts exist about his ability to expand the party’s statewide fortunes.
He is labelled a serial decampee with a sense of entitlement, raising loyalty concerns.
Critics suggest he is sponsored by the opposition to destabilize the PDP from within.
Kolade Akinjo
Despite holding office since 1999, he lacks a broad followership across Ondo’s 18 LGAs, casting doubt on his statewide appeal.
Akinjo is perceived as overly tribal, focusing on representing his native Ilaje LGA over the entire state.
Described as stingy, which could severely hinder his ability to fund a competitive campaign.
Viewed as lacking strategic vision, seeking the nomination through adoption over a robust primary process.
His candidacy is seen as fitting an “Ilaje candidate” rather than a unifying, statewide PDP nominee.
Perceived as indecisive and may not have contested out of personal conviction, except for external sponsorship, allegedly from Interior Minister Bunmi Tunji Ojo and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila
He considered not mature enough for the gubernatorial office.
John Mafo
Although he iwell experience experienced in government, he is criticized for an absolute lack of finances to adequately fund a gubernatorial bid.
Mafo support base and followership are seen as poor, concerning party leaders about his wider viability.
Also, hailing from the underperforming Ilaje LGA, doubts remain about his ability to boost the party’s performance there.
Though seen as having no overt party enemies, sceptics question whether he can unite all factions.
His ties to Ilaje, coupled with the area’s poor 2023 turnout, undermine the perceived competitiveness of his statewide candidacy.
He often relies on miraculous external funding, knowing fully well that he may not be too sure of its financial viability.
Agboola Ajayi:
His Ondo South senatorial loss to the APC in 2023 damages confidence in his electoral strength.
Ajayi was majorly responsible for the PDP’s losses in 2016 and 2020, abruptly leaving the PDP to work for the APC, including after losing the 2020 primary to Eyitayo Jegede
Widely seen as driven by vendettas over party interests, with fears, his nomination could further divide the PDP.
His history of abandoning parties when circumstances sour paints him as lacking loyalty.
Viewed as having more political enemies than allies within and outside the PDP, hindering coalition-building.
Doubts persist that he would remain in the PDP long if elected governor on that platform.
Seen as extremely desperate for power and capable of anything to get it, as evidenced by his contesting in every election.
Adeolu Akinwunmi:
While young, bold, and brilliant, he is largely unknown to key party stakeholders, hindering unified support.
Akinwunmi “aluta” activist brand could disaffect party leaders who are not open to confrontational approaches.
Criticized as being financially unprepared for the costs of a statewide gubernatorial campaign.
Faulted for previously opposing zoning by campaigning against the southern agenda for the governorship.
His newness raises questions about his ability to navigate complex internal party dynamics and power blocs.
As a youth candidate, he may face perceptions of lacking the desired seasoned political experience.
His outsider status could make it difficult for him to unite diverse party factions and interests.
Otunba Bamidele Akingboye
The world is full of several aspiring political leaders who should have interest of people and party members after election,unlike Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA) who is a seasonal politician known very well and famous in nook and cranny of ondo state and love by his people but will always stayed outside ondo state after every election to be precise Lagos state. who is a seasonal politician, because after contesting and lost, he went into exile until the next election to come and contest again.
He has contested several times under the PDP. Despite this, he remains steadfast in his mission, probably to secure his business.