Ondo 2024: Let me have a chance of also running for one more term – Aiyedatiwa

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has declared his interest to contest in the All Progressive Congress (APC) primary slated for April 2024.

Aiyedatiwa stated this on Friday shortly after his late principal and former Governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu was buried in Owo, his country home.

On December 27, 2023, Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as governor of the state following the death of Akeredolu after a protracted illness.

Aiyedatiwa, while featuring on TVC news, said he would seek to be the ruling APC candidate for the November 16 gubernatorial election in the state.

“Definitely, I will be running because I am already a sitting Governor. And let me say this that nobody wants to be governor for one year.

“Give me what the constitution allows me to do. At least, let me have a chance of also running for one more term,” the governor declared.

Reacting to Aiyedatiwa’s declaration, a member of the State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress who pleaded not to be named, said that the plea by the Governor to be given a chance to run for one more term has implications on both the party and the state, especially the South Senatorial District.

“If Governor Aiyedatiwa, who is from Ilaje Local Government Area in the Southern Senatorial District, wins the APC primary in April and the November 16 election, he can only spend five years as governor of the state.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa is fully aware that he can only take Oath of Office twice as Governor according to Nigerian Constitution, and that is why he is making the plea that he should be allowed to run for one more term.

“The implication is that the South Senatorial District will only have five years slot under Aiyedatiwa as Governor of Ondo State instead of eight years enjoyed by others districts.

“I think it is going to be a long walk for the Governor,” the APC chieftain told Thefrontrank on Saturday.