Ahead of the governorship election in Ondo State on Saturday, the family of the late former governor Rotimi Akeredolu, along with a group known as ASEI Human Rights of Nigeria, has endorsed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Bamidele Akingboye.
Representing the Akeredolu family, Oluwafemi Akeredolu, along with ASEI Human Rights National President, Oba Adewuyi Babalola, urged voters to prioritize candidate integrity over party affiliation to ensure good governance.
During a press briefing in Akure, Oba Babalola expressed his support for Akingboye, claiming a divine revelation confirmed Akingboye as the best choice to lead Ondo State forward. He emphasized the need for a candidate who genuinely cares about development rather than political allegiance.
Oluwafemi Akeredolu, the younger brother of the late governor, also voiced his support for Akingboye. He encouraged voters to prioritize candidates who exhibit integrity and vision for the state’s future.
“I am the youngest brother of the late Oluwafemi Akeredolu, same father, same mother. Our family is known for being truthful and decisive. My brother, known as ‘talk and do,’ was a dedicated APC member, but this election is not about the party,” he stated.
He criticized party politics, arguing, “Sometimes, parties pick candidates who are unfit for office. It’s time we vote for individuals based on competence, not party loyalty.”
Akeredolu highlighted Akingboye’s vision for Ondo’s underutilized resources, particularly the Ondo Seaport. He noted that the port, one of the state’s most promising assets, remains undeveloped despite its potential as a major economic driver.
“Ondo State’s seaport is one of the deepest, capable of accommodating large vessels. My brother obtained the port certificate before he passed, but progress has stalled. Now, we’re being promised that it will be handed over to a foreigner. We can’t let that happen. Ondo State needs change, and that’s why we’re endorsing SDP and Akingboye,” he emphasized.
He assured that if elected, Akingboye would begin his term by investing his own resources to advance the state, declaring, “Akingboye will start spending his personal funds on the state immediately. This is a leader who has a vision for the people, not just for himself.”
Oba Babalola also called on the people to embrace this new leadership. “God showed me that Otunba Bamidele Akingboye is the next governor of Ondo State. I’m here to deliver that message, and I urge everyone to vote for SDP and Akingboye on November 16.”
The Akeredolu family’s endorsement of Akingboye signals a call for transformational leadership and a focus on individual merit rather than party affiliation as Ondo State heads to the polls.
