HAKEEM GBADAMOSI examines the changing dynamics within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State as main gladiators step up horse trading and reconciliation. The dust raised over the emergence of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming poll has finally settled. This followed the withdrawal of the suit instituted by one of the aspirants in the race, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.
Initially, the choice of Aiyedatiwa did not go down well with some contenders, with quite a number of them and leaders of the party asking for the cancellation of the primary. Attempts by the national leadership of the APC to pacify the aggrieved aspirants met a brick wall, as some of the aspirants played the ostrich. However, there was a wild jubilation in the camp of Governor Aiyedatiwa, following the decision of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim to withdraw the suit.
It was the climax of interventions by influential individuals and groups among other stakeholders and respected leaders within the state. For instance, the leadership of pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, led by Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Oba Olu Falae, intervened. The decision of Ibrahim to withdraw the suit was seen as a soothing balm for APC and its stakeholders.
The senator said he was discontinuing the suit “in the interest of all concerned” and the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and his assurances to imp.