Ondo APC primary: Waheed-Adekojo hints at stepping down
Less than 24 hours to the conduct of the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo state, one of the aspirants, Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, has given a hint that she would step down from the race.
Waheed-Adekojo said she would step down if the leadership of the party asked her to do so.
She stated that any decision to withdraw from her governorship pursuit would be due to her loyalty to the party.
The Managing Director of Funmi Ayinka Nigeria Limited who spoke at a media parley in Akure said she joined the governorship race because of her desire to serve the people.
She vowed not to bribe anybody to vote for her at the primary.
On whether the primary would favour her as she hails from Ondo North, Waheed-Adekojo said zoning of the governorship seat has contributed to the myriads of problems of underdevelopment in the state.
She stated that late Akeredolu ended the circle of zoning and that Ondo North should produce the next governor.
“Despite the zoning arrangement by political parties in Ondo State since 1999, the state continues to face significant challenges in infrastructural and human capital development.
“Without mincing words, this concept of rotation has regrettably, become a hindrance to progress. One of its errors, is that it prioritises political permutation over meritocracy and competence.
“Rather than allowing the most qualified candidate to emerge through a competitive electoral process, political parties impose candidates based solely on their geographic origin, letting the good people of Ondo State entrust governance to individuals who may lack the requisite skills and vision needed to propel development effectively.
“Apart from the abovementioned, another negative effect of the zoning policy is perpetuation of ethnic divisions within the state. By emphasising ethnic and geographical identity over shared goals and aspirations, the system consciously reinforces personal interest and undermines the sense of collective responsibilit for the state’s development.
“I will step down for my loyalty of the party. If the party asked me I will do so. It is where the party goes I will go.
“I came out based on the passion I have for the people. No one asked me to contest. I am not going to bribe anybody.”
- The Nation
