•Ehinlanwo: journey has just begun

Two days into the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ondo State governorship ticket, no fewer than 10 aspirants have purchased the N50million forms.

The exercise started on Wednesday. The sale of the forms is slated to close on April 3.

Checks at the party’s Directorate of Organisation at the close of work yesterday showed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and nine others have shown interest in the April 20 primary to become the standard- bearer of the party in the November poll.

All the aspirants so far are men. The only woman aspirant, Funmilayo Mary Waheed Adekojo, an engineer; who was the first aspirant to pick the form, was also the only aspirant that came to pick her form. Others sent their aides and supporters to procure the forms for them.

Those who have obtained the forms in the last 48 hours of commencement of sale of forms include Waheed-Adekojo Funmilayo(female), Olusoji Adewale Ehinlanwo, Okunjimi Odimayo John, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunsho and the National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Duerimini Isaacs Kekemeke.

Others are Akinfolarin Mayo Samuel, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Adewale Okumuyiwa Akinterinwa, Olugbenga Omogbemi Edema and Chief Olusola Alexander Oke, SAN.

Speaking with reporters in Akure, Ehinlanwo said: “Yes, the journey has just begun. We remain confident in our big dreams for our party and our state. We know that we have that vision of prosperity for our state that is truly remarkable and is achievable with your collective support.

“We have the pedigree, exposure and competence that have been tested – that which is capable of delivering most for our state. Undoubtedly, we represent “The Breath of Fresh Air” for our dear Ondo State and we continue to seek the support of all and sundry, first within our party – the APC and then across our dear Ondo State and beyond. Without your support, we cannot achieve our big dreams for Ondo State.

“I also call on fellow aspirants and others to avoid divisive politics and politics of mudslinging. Let us have mature politics anchored on big dreams and robust ideas

“Finally, I dedicate the collection of this form and this phase of the journey to my deceased friend and fellow APC chieftain – Dr. Paul Akintelure. He lost the battle of life as he hoped for and shared the aspiration for a more prosperous Ondo State – one that we have vigorously pushed for and look forward to bringing to reality.” (The Nation)