Businessman joins Ondo governorship race

[Defender]

A chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Akinola Awodeyi Akinsehinwa, at the weekend said he would contest the governorship next year.

Akinsehinwa urged the people to reflect on their condition and support the push for change. He said it is sad that despite the enormous resources available to the

government, many people are impoverished. The businessman said he would tackle infrastructural decay, provide employment, fight poverty and promote good governance, if elected.

Akinsehinwa said: "For Ondo State to move forward, Governor Olusegun Mimiko should not stay in office beyond 2013. I am a product of the free education policy of Pa Ajasin. That was 27 years ago. "Now, I want to serve the state in return. I have the vision, intellect and experience. I have the national and international connection to

attract domestic and foreign investment to the state."

Other ACN governorship aspirants in the state are ACN State Chairman Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose; her predecessor, Comrade Sola Iji; former Commissioner for Finance Chief Tayo Alasoadura; former Defence Minister Dr. Olu Agunloye; former House of Representatives member Mr. Jayeola Ajatta; former Finance Commissioners, Segun Ojo and Wale Akinterinwa; Senator Olorunnimbe Farunkanmi; Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Dr. Tunji Abayomi; and Mr. Akinbinu.

Also at the weekend, an ACN chieftain in Ondo South Senatorial District, Dr. Paul Akintelure, urged new members to put their political ambitions aside and work towards the party's success in the 2012 governorship election.

Akintelure spoke while receiving new members into the party at Odigbo Local Government Area. He said: "What should be the first aim of our new members is how to

preach the gospel of the party to the masses, on why they need to vote for ACN in the 2012 governorship election. "We still need to enlighten our people on the ideology of the ACN; why ACN remains the best alternative to replace the ruling Labour Party (LP) government, why they need to join other Southwest progressive states and our

plans for the masses."

Akintelure denied speculations that he wants to run for governorship. He said: "My aim is to maintain the popularity of the party in the Southern senatorial district of the state and ensure that we win more people."

Many chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and LP have joined ACN in the last few months. They include Alasoadura; former LP State Chairman Dr. Olaiya Oni; former LP Deputy State Chairman Senator Omololu Meroyi; a former Special Adviser to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Saka Lawal; and former Commissioner for Transport

Omoniyi Omodara; among others.

The Nation