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Jimoh Ibrahim, the lawmaker representing Ondo South, believes the death of the former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu will increase his chances of becoming the state’s next governor.
Ibrahim, who declared his interest in the forthcoming governorship election in the state is confident that the national leader of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won’t impose any candidate on members of the party in the state.
“Maybe the death of Aketi has enhanced my chances because Aketi is a human being, he can be subjectively objective at the last minute. But now that he is no more, that possibility is written off completely. So whoever is there, wants to run for governor will meet me at the field.
“So Aketi’s death doesn’t affect my chances at all, but it would rather enhance my chances to win the governorship position of this state. So we are working seriously to win this election,” he said.
He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would allow a free and fair primary election for the party to produce the best candidate.
He said, “I’m declaring my intention to run for the governorship election of Ondo State. Among the contestants, I am the oldest. I have contested election twice in my lifetime, one of which I contested for a governorship position in 2003, and none of these contestants was on that ballot.
“The President will never say that we should go and work for the incumbent governor. He can only appeal that maybe he prefers one person if you can prefer him and if you cannot, go and do your election. So the President cannot say that I have taken this person so all of you should go and sit down. Even Buhari who is very clueless about anything can never do that.”
Highlighting his programmes for the state, the lawmaker said he would strengthen the economy and security of the state.
Ibrahim promised to empower the state Security Network Agency also known as Amotekun with modern technology to enable it to combat crimes.