Akeredolu’s Former Aide Condemns Aiyedatiwa’s ‘Deceptive Tactics’

The political landscape in Ondo State has been stirred by controversy as Richard Olatunde, the former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, refuted claims by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa that Akeredolu endorsed him as the APC candidate for the Ondo 2024 gubernatorial election. Aiyedatiwa, during his official declaration, stated that Akeredolu had repeatedly pronounced him as the “successor” to the office.

However, Olatunde has accused Aiyedatiwa of employing ‘deceptive tactics’ to bolster his gubernatorial aspiration, claiming that Akeredolu’s family and ardent supporters opposed Aiyedatiwa being the APC candidate.

Olatunde clarified that Akeredolu did not anoint or express his desire for Aiyedatiwa to succeed him, citing their strained relationship. He mentioned that despite attending official matters and meeting people from Akure, Akeredolu intentionally kept Aiyedatiwa, his deputy governor at the time, away from him in Ibadan.

According to Olatunde, Akeredolu was disappointed and regretful of certain behaviors displayed by Aiyedatiwa during his health challenges, which ultimately led to his passing. He described a turn of events in the latter half of last year, where trust was betrayed, confidence shattered, and desperation overshadowed good intentions, leading to disappointment and betrayal.

Olatunde cautioned Aiyedatiwa to cease his deceptive tactics and focus on his campaign, noting that Akeredolu’s ardent followers, including members of his family, do not support Aiyedatiwa’s aspiration to clinch the party’s ticket.

The APC in Ondo has been embroiled in political crisis since Aiyedatiwa entered the race, with at least 15 other aspirants showing interest in jostling for the party’s ticket ahead of the primary election slated for next month.

Peoples Gazette