The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo state held its primary elections last week amidst controversies that surrounded some of the candidates and party leaders. A former Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and ACN gubernatorial aspirant in the state in 2012, Rotimi Akeredolu emerged winner at the primaries with 669 votes. On his tail was Mr Segun Abraham with 635 votes. Mr Abraham’s defeat at the elections came as a surprise to many, he had been tipped for victory as the “anointed candidate” of the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Asiwaju Tinubu is the historic kingmaker. The jagaban of Nigerian politics has over the years influenced or as some will say, imposed candidates on the electorate. His role in the last presidential election that ushered in President Muhammadu Buhari is instrumental. Many times, the Asiwaju has bragged about how he still rules Lagos state despite handing over power as governor since 2007.

Asiwaju Tinubu’s backing is mostly solid but Mr Segun Abraham lost still. Here are 4 reasons for this turn-out of events:

1. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is gradually losing his powers as a political godfather: It was alleged that before the elections, Tinubu had invited the Ondo APC party chieftains to his Bourdillion home in Lagos. At the meet, he asked them to support his candidate, Segun Abraham and promised a huge financial assistance for the gubernatorial elections in November if Abraham emerged as the APC representative. In the face of the allegations, Tinubu in a statement released by the APC has declared that he reserves the right to choice to support any candidate. The Ondo APC delegates resisted the seemingly autonomous powers of Tinubu when most of them publicly challenged his imposition of Mr Abraham on them and even reportedly “ganged up” against the man at the polls. The results of the election go further to prove that times are changing and the very elder statesman may not be as influential anymore.

2. Badaru Abubakar’s competence should not be overlooked: Apart from a short disruption at the venue of the election which was as a result of a shootout between policemen and NSCDC officials, the primaries were generally reported to be peaceful, free and fair. Jigawa state governor and Chairman of the election committee, Badaru Abubakar had promised a free, fair and transparent election and he delivered.

3. Some leaders of Ondo APC are anti-Tinubu: New but unconfirmed facts have emerged that some groups within the Ondo APC are making moves to loosen Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s grip on the party in the South-West. Segun Abraham’s loss was a mission accomplished for this group and they believe they have clipped Tinubu’s wings with this. According to the sources, the primaries were postponed twice to allow this group rally more support for their purpose. It should be noted that few days before the election, executive members of the party booted out the state chairman, Isaac Kekemeke. They accused him of favouring Tinubu’s candidate amongst other allegations.

4. Akeredolu did his homework: Rotimi Akeredolu emerged winner in the primary elections because the man is making determined and calculated efforts to own the Ondo guber race this time. He lost in 2012 to Labour Party’s Mimiko partly because he was accused of not knowing the state and the people of Ondo enough. The man reportedly moved to the state to reside and familiarise himself with the people and their needs. Winning the primaries is of utmost importance to such a man and Segun Abraham, regardless of whose support he garnered, could not stop him.

Tolu

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