Ondo 2024: Engineer (Dr) Olufunmilayo Ayinke Waheed-Adekojo May Emerge APC Candidate—It’s interesting to see new and promising contenders emerging in the political landscape, especially when they bring fresh perspectives and energy to the table.
Ondo state’s governorship election seems poised for some changes, and Funmi Ayinke’s rise as a serious contender reflects the evolving dynamics in Nigerian politics.
Gender and political experience often play crucial roles in shaping public perception of candidates. Funmi Ayinke’s ability to make a mark in a short time suggests that she has been effective in navigating the political environment and garnering support. It’s noteworthy that she is standing out among other more established figures within the APC.
The political climate can be unpredictable, and various factors may influence the outcome of the election, including party dynamics, public sentiment, and the candidates’ policy positions. Funmi Ayinke’s success in securing the APC ticket will depend on her ability to maintain and expand her support base within the party.
As the election unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Funmi Ayinke and other contenders navigate the political landscape, articulate their visions for Ondo state, and address the concerns of the electorate. The dynamics of the election may evolve further, and the final outcome will depend on the choices made by the voters.
Speaking on support base within the party, Funmi Ayinke appears to be someone who has a good relationship with party members and state executives. Among the other aspirants, she is the only person so far that has visited the party executives to inform them of her ambition and in turn, received their blessings in her sojourn.
While addressing the party’s leadership, Funmi Ayinke expressed grief at the demise of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu whom she described as a father to all. She also made known her intention to contest in the forthcoming governorship election while seeking the supports of the state executives.
‘’I want to express once again that the demise of Governor Akeredolu has left a huge burden on us. He was a true father and I pray his soul rest in peace. I am here to officially inform you of my intention to run for the position of a governor in our dear sunshine state. I will be Governor for all; the welfare of all Ondo State indigenes will be my top priority. Both human and infrastructural development will be greatly experienced in Ondo State if you entrust me with your mandate. I humbly ask that you support me as I embark on this revolutionary journey.’’
Speaking on behalf of the party executives, Hon. Atili Agabra announced that the party has cancelled the constituency zoning agreement which means the election is for everyone interested to contest.
Agabra made it known that the party is ready to support Funmi Ayinke while wishing her well in her political journey. In addition, he congratulated her on the newly opened campaign office in the state.
‘’I want to congratulate you on the successful opening of your new campaign office. I wish you the very best in your political journey. The party has decided to cancel the constituency zoning arrangement for Ondo governorship race and this means it is opened for all to contest. I assure you of the party’s support and wish you well in all you do.’’
Funmi Ayinke was endorsed by traditional rulers in Ondo state some weeks ago when she informed them of her decision to run for office. She was also prayed for and assured of every support needed to become the next governor of the state.
The endorsement which marks the beginning of Funmi Ayinke’s governorship campaign was spearheaded by the Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, Oba (Dr) Yisa Olanipekun who gathered other monarchs to endorse the Arigidi-Akoko-born-politician.
On arrival at the King’s palace, Funmi Ayinke, who was in company of Nollywood actor Kunle Afod and her staffers, received great reception from a teeming crowd of supporters.
She explained to the monarchs that the significance of her visit was to launch out from her hometown. Funmi noted that her ambition is to make the state better than it is and to also serve as an indication to women that they have more to offer the country.
‘’I appreciate you, our fathers, for giving us the opportunity to see you. I decided to start my governorship race from the soil I hail from because everything about me is Arigidi, Akoko. I grew up here, my family hails from here and it’s just important to start this great race from my source.’’
Oba Yisa Olanipekun while speaking acknowledged Funmi Ayinke’s antecedents, x-raying her popularity, hard work and professionalism. He mentioned that she has exhibited the character of a trustworthy person since he has known her. He spoke highly of her and urged other monarchs to pray for her ambition.
“She is popular, hardworking and won many awards. She is also trustworthy. She has a good thought towards Akoko, she has her work and it’s not like she’s looking for anything. We are God’s representatives here and we know when we pray, it will be answered. There is nothing like having our own children in good places. I want you all to pray for the success of her ambition.”
Also speaking on behalf of others, a top monarch asserted that he believes in the ability of Funmi Ayinke to do better than other governors when she emerges. He applauded her for taking the right step of coming to see the elders while congratulating the people of Arigidi, Akoko. He declared that with the support of the monarchs, Funmi Ayinke will emerge the next governor of Ondo state.
‘’Yorubas have underestimated women from time to time but now, times have changed and I believe you can do it better than men. With the support of God and we the monarchs, you will emerge. You have taken the right step; you have come to the elders. I congratulate the people of Arigidi and we have a lot of work to do to ensure this woman emerges as the next governor. I want us to have the first female governor in our time. I urge the monarchs to put it in mind, let’s tell our children that are into politics, we have to work for her.’’
After addressing her, the monarchs came together to give her royal blessings and lifted her hands, signifying an endorsement and send-forth as she began the race.
Funmi Ayinke’s strategic positioning and her extensive track record of humanitarian services certainly provide a strong foundation for her political campaign. The fact that she has been actively involved in connecting with the grassroots through her foundation for many years is likely to work in her favor. The “Hope For All” mantra aligns well with her history of empowering and supporting various segments of the population.
Her two decades of engagement in humanitarian services, which includes activities like placing students on scholarship, empowering widows, uplifting the less privileged, and facilitating employment opportunities, could resonate positively with voters. These efforts contribute to building goodwill and trust among the people, which is crucial in the political arena.
Apart from these, it’s been an avalanche of endorsements from her within the political space of Ondo state. Some ward chairmen threw their weight behind her aspiration few days ago while extolling her ability to turn Ondo state around.
It’s evident that Funmi Ayinke has built a reputation for restoring hope to the hopeless, and this resonates with her campaign theme. The combination of goodwill, hard work, charisma, and a strong track record could indeed make her a formidable candidate in the race for the APC ticket in Ondo.
As rightly pointed out, the internal party dynamics will play a significant role in determining the candidate, but if Funmi Ayinke continues to showcase her strengths and maintain support within the party, she stands a good chance of emerging as the APC candidate for the governorship election in Ondo state. It will be interesting to observe how the political landscape unfolds and how she navigates the challenges ahead.
