Three governorship aspirants in the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State have stepped down for the incumbent governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
The three aspirants who include Dr Olusegun Abraham, Jimi Odimayo and Dr Nathaniel Adojutelegan, said they took the decision in a bid to move the party forward.
Their decision is coming a few hours to the commencement of the APC primary election in the state slated for today, July 20, 2020.
Before now, there have been controversies following the mode of the primary. Except Governor Akeredolu, other aspirants rejected the indirect primary mode adopted by the party.
Some of the aspirants argued that when indirect primaries are conducted, the results are most likely to favour the incumbent because most delegates are often those loyal to him.
Despite expressing their displeasure, the chairman of the primary committee, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, rejected their letter on the ground that “aspirants cannot dictate to the party”.
But one of the aspirants, Mr Olusola Oke has said although he would be part of today’s exercise, he would challenge any irregularity in court.
This is coming bare two days after Governor Akeredolu begged members of the APC in Ondo state to forgive his sins.