A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Jimi Odimayo has warned the party against fielding a wrong candidate that would not be able to spend two-term of eight years in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Odimayo who is the current Chairman, House Committee on Population in the House of Representatives, pointedly said the people of the Southern Senatorial District of the state are earnestly yearning for a candidate who will represent the district as governor from February 24, 2025 and serve two terms of eight years.
Addressing journalists at the official declaration of his intention to run for the race at the NUJ Press Centre in Akure, the lawmaker cautioned the national leadership of the party not make the mistake of fielding a wrong candidate for the party in the forthcoming governorship election.
Odimayo noted that it will be right for any aspirant who by law will be deprived from spending a two-term of eight years to jettison his governorship ambition in the best interest of the Ondo South Senatorial District.
“If you attempt to bring anybody that is short of 8 years we would struggle in the next election, if you flag off anybody who is not up to task especially someone who would not do 8 years, people would not support. Our leaders should not be sentimental because people are watching
“We the southerners will ensure that APC doesn’t produce anybody that would be questionable or challenged by opposition party. We are going to address our challenges as a party, we are not going to make a mistake, APC is a predominant party in Ondo State.
“Basically, it is the turn of the South, and the party would not play with it. We want the party to utilise this opportunity, we have eight years, we will not tolerate anything less than eight years for the south. So, we should be very careful not to go into trap with our enemies,” Odimayo said.
Speaking on why he wants to governor of the state, Odimayo who said the state is endowed with immense potential, from its rich cultural heritage to its natural resources, said there are still some challenges that are currently hindering the progress and prosperity of the state.
According to him, my aspiration is fueled by a passion for service and a vision for a brighter future for Ondo.
“We have issues such as inadequate infrastructure, unemployment. Healthcare disparities, and educational gaps require urgent attention and innovative solutions. As a son of Ondo State, I am acutely aware of these challenges, and I am prepared to tackle them head-on with your support.
“My aspiration is not just about winning an election; it is about ushering in a new era of progress and development for Ondo State,” the APC aspirant said.