….Senator Allover fingers Mimiko for his defeat
Ahead of the 2023 general election, a legal practitioner, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe, SAN has picked the ticket as the flagbearer for the senatorial seat in Ondo Central on platform of people’s Democratic party, PDP in Ondo State
The chairman, election committee, Idhiarhi Bekekhimi declared him the winner during the party’s primary on Ondo road in Akure.
At the rancour free exercise, Mr Adedipe polled eighty two votes to beat his closest rival, Senator Ayo Akinyelure popularly known as “Allover” who had fifty eight (58) votes, followed by the party’s former state chairman, Clement Faboyede with fifty seven (57) votes
Speaking after the exercise, Senator Akinyelure who is a two term senator, blamed a former Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko for his defeat, alleging that he directed most party’s delegates to vote for his main opponent.
Senator Akinyelure said: “As a ranking Senator and with all I have done for them in Ondo Central Senatorial District, the three ad-hoc delegates that favours Olusegun Mimiko, they gave instructions for them to vote me out.I am happy for this but I know my God will never fail.
“I know what I am talking about. We have six local governments in the central, by the grace of God I am still a sitting Senator.
“The election was so transparent but I know that with the volume of what I have done for Ondo Central Senatorial District, I did not expect to be paid this way. But I have a destiny that nobody can stop.”
Reacting, the winner, Chief Adedipe who is from Akure South LGA expressed delight over his victory, vowing to lead the PDP to victory in the general election.
Before the exercise, the three contestants had agreed to work together and to also carry followers of the defeated Aspirants along in the interest of the party
They described one another as brothers and respected stakeholders in the party hence the need to confront the opposition’s candidates together during the main election
Security operatives were on ground at the venue where several military trucks including the police armoured personnel carrier were also stationed strategically
INEC officials also monitored the exercise that began at noon.
