PVC-NAIJA ONDO 2020 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION’S OPINION POLL

The Candidates:

1. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (APC)

Incumbent governor of Ondo State, lawyer and SAN

One time commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General of Ondo State 1997-1997. Former NBA Chairman.

In 2012, he contested as governor under the platform of ACN but lost to the then incumbent Olusegun Mimiko. He re-contested in 2016 under APC and won the election.

Opinion poll

Relatively poor performance when compared to the previous administration of Olusegun Mimiko. Low public rating over his highhandedness in governance and non-inclusiveness.

2. Agboola Ajayi (Zenith Labour Party)

Agboola Ajayi is the incumbent deputy governor of Ondo State. A lawyer, he is a grassroots politician, as he has held various political positions ranging from Supervisory Counsellor, Party Chairman, Local Government Chairman, House of Rep. Member and Deputy Governor.

He was highly instrumental to the successful election of his principal – Rotimi Akeredolu and they were a formidable pair until the recent political battle with his principal which saw him resign his membership of the APC. He defected to the PDP, he was, however, denied the gubernatorial ticket. He found solace in Zenith Labour Party where he is the gubernatorial flag bearer.

Opinion poll

Due to his active participation in grassroots politics for a long time, he has a large followership. Also, his squabbles with the governor has increased his fan base, thereby depleting the ranks of the incumbent governor.

However, the political party platform under which he is contesting is of concern; his hope of success on the 10th of October, 2020 will be determined by his voters education programme. By and large he is a formidable force in the race.

3. Eyitayo Jegede (PDP)

A legal practitioner and SAN. He was a former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Ondo state and also 2016 gubernatorial candidate in Ondo state governorship elections.

A trusted ally of the former governor – Olusegun Mimiko. Despite losing the last gubernatorial elections, his doggedness is making him confront the incumbent again.

Opinion poll

Being a trusted ally of the former governor, he has a high public rating and expectations. A pure Akure indigene. The sentiments that an Akure indigene has never been governor of Ondo since 1999 is an added advantage and a plus for him. The recently concluded Edo gubernatorial elections is also a morale booster for his ambition.

4. Adelegan Adedapo Oluwaseyi (ADC)

Born in 1962, he holds an MBA of the  University of Lagos. He is a PR Expert/Consultant, Chairman of Nigerian- British Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He has pioneered so many innovative projects, amongst which is the introduction of electronic outdoor advertising in Nigeria.

Though a political neophyte, he is believed to be running the best issues-based campaign, leveraging the ‘Ondo Advantage’ initiative, which is driven to utilize the economic and industrial potential in the state.

My opinion

He has a negligibly slim to no chance of winning the election. But he remains a fresh breath of air needed in our political space.

Conclusion

Looking critically at the 4 candidates, the incumbent governor (Akeredolu), remains the most formidable, given the power of incumbency and the central ruling party under which he is seeking re-election.

Both Agboola of ZLP, and the PDP candidate (Eyitayo Jegede) are positioned to create an upset depending on their voters engagement approach. Jegede has a slight advantage given the popularity of his political party, the PDP. His is a dogged and formidable candidate with the sentiments of an Akure indigene. Moreover, the recent upset at the Edo Governorship election by his party’s candidate Godwin Obaseki is a pointer to the fact that the people are getting weary of the ruling party (APC), so, if this sentiment is explored pushing Jegede (PDP) in Ondo political space will require less than what it will take to push Agboola Ajayi of ZLP.

Adelegan Adedapo Oluwaseyi of the ADC, however, represents the shift in leadership order that’s the yearning of Nigerian youths and most electorates, he shouldn’t be ruled out of the race. His ability to reach out to politically inclined Organisations powered by same ideology driving him will go along way to increase his possibility of winning the election.

I recommend that we submit this findings to the public @ www.pvcnaija.com.ng and allow them decide who should have the support of our network among the quartet for the 10th day of October, 2020 governorship election.

Clement Iuleomien,

Director, Library and Research.

Reported from Akure, Ondo State, South West Nigeria