By: Ade Adeleke
Ahead of the October 10 governorship election, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has defeated both candidates of the People’s Democratic Party and Zenith Labour Party, Eyitayo Jegede and Agboola Ajayi, respectively at a mock election organised by the Coalition 2020.
The Coalition 2020 is made up of 26 political parties, ethnic groups, drivers unions, youths groups, women amongst others and representatives of the three major parties.
Akeredolu scored 162 votes, Agboola emerged first runner up with 89 votes, Jegede polled 67 votes while the Prince Dapo Adelegan of the ADC had six votes.
The outcome is believed by analysts that it may be how the candidates will also finish in the coming 10th October election.Over 400 delegates participated in the mock election.
There was a mild drama when some members attempted to disrupt votes counting and attempted to destroy the ballot box.
Security at the venue however restored normalcy counting continued.
Speaking after announcing the result, Chairman of the Coalition 2020 and former Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters to former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Mr. Akin Akinbobola, said any party that win the mock election would win the October 10 governorship polls.
Akinbobola announced adoption of APC and Governor Akeredolu as the candidate and party the Coalition would support and vote for in the governorship election.
He said members of the Coalition 2020 changed their mind about their quest to stop Akeredolu’s second term bid after meeting and listening to him.
His words, “The outcome is a reflection of the thinking of Ondo State people. There must be complaints but majority of the people have spoken. This Coalition has adopted the APC as our party that we will support.
“We will work to ensure APC candidate emerge winner of the October 10 governorship election.”
State Chairman of the APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, said it was the first time a Coalition of various groups and political parties would be adopting a single candidate.
Adetimehin urged losers to embrace peace and denied bribing delegates with #10million to vote for the APC in the mock election.