HIS campaign train is electrifying. On board are core party loyalists, trusted followers, youths, women and men of goodwill dedicated to the continuation of good governance in post-Akeredolu era. There is a debate going on in Ondo State. The question is who can lead the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to victory during the November governorship election? As his campaign train rolled into Ondo Central, eminent businessman and senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim, reassured the people that Ondo State would be safe in his hands, if elected as governor. “I am here with a message of hope, that our beloved state, with its abundant potential, will witness growth and development across sectors through prudent management,” he said in Ondo, the second largest town in the Central District. To many party chieftains, Ibrahim is a promising candidate embodying essential qualities for visionary leadership. “His capability is underscored by an impressive academic background, diverse business ventures, and impactful infrastructure investments. Trustworthiness is evident in his successful business dealings and commitment to governmental responsibilities,” said Prince Segun Oluyede, a member of the campaign group,’ Aseyori Leekansi.’ Oluyede added: “compassion shines through his genuine concern for the downtrodden, demonstrated in philanthropic initiatives, legislative efforts, and transformative projects.”
Since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) blew the whistle, Ibrahim has hit the ground running. He has intensified consultations and mobilisation, visiting the 18 local government areas. The aspirant is now on a tour of the 203 wards. Since charity begins from home, he kicked off from his native Ondo South, his base. The general feeling in the party is that the governorship ticket would be zoned to the South in the spirit of equity, fairness and justice. In those wards he visited, he was taken seriously as an experienced politician and competent administrator, who would not disappoint the people. While traversing Ondo Central, he gave assurances after collating the infrastructural challenges confronting the towns and villages. As a household name, he needed no introduction. He was at home with the rich and the poor, who assured him of support. Next week, Ibrahim is expected to tour Ondo North. But, he had even stormed the district during the week on a sort of rescue mission when he held a reconciliation meeting with aggrieved party leaders in Akoko axis so that they would be on the same page ahead of the by-election in Akoko North/East Federal Constituency. Thousands of supporters came out in the South and Central to receive him and partake from the palliatives given out by his campaign team. As he doled out the palliative, he promised to do more. The party faithful cheered and hailed him.
The primary is scheduled for April, two months from now. No fewer than 10 aspirants have indicated interest. The majority are from the South. Is it not too early for Ibrahim to visit the local chapters of the party? He said it is not too early, adding that the people, particularly the grassroots, who are core electors, need to know the candidates. The senator said he would not mind doing it again because of the high regard he has for the generality of the people. Is he not worried that his opponents may later do this towards the primary and thus rubbish all that he would have done? He says he would always be ahead of his opponents. He described himself as the most experienced contender with a pedigree that cannot be matched by other aspirants. What exactly is propelling him, having sought the exalted office twice, in 2003 and 2016? Ibrahim says the development of Ondo State is his major priority. He pointed out that the Sunshine State is blessed with human and natural resources, stressing that it should be one of the leading states in the country. “ l want to harness the rich endowments of the state to transform it and make it self-sustaining. He says he wants to turn it into an investment haven.
Ibrahim. is reaching out directly to APC members and selling himself as one who can turn the fortunes of the state around. In 2003, at 37, Ibrahim was on the firing line as governorship candidate on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). At that time, none of his rivals today were in the picture. His second attempt came in 2016 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ibrahim’s leadership capability stems from his intellectual prowess. At 57, he holds nine degrees from highly reputable institutions, including Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife (LLB, MPA), the University of Oxford, and Harvard (LLM/IT). He holds a Ph.D. in Business from Cambridge University (DBA). His academic achievements are complemented by his feats in the world of business. The scope encompasses banking, insurance, oil and gas, real estate, hospitality, and aviation, showcased by ventures like Global Fleet Group and NICON Luxury Hotel. He demonstrated reliability by assisting the Nigerian government in recovering unpaid withholding tax from major international oil firms, successfully implementing the plan and recovering billions of dollars. Ibrahim has shown compassion for the downtrodden by sustaining and motivating community members through philanthropic endeavors. He is the toast of his constituents, whom he has often assisted financially. Recently, he distributed N300,000 to 130 constituents. The financial relief provided a significant boost in a challenging economic environment.
He has not also neglected the people with disabilities. The senator pledged to distribute 100 wheelchairs and a minimum of N100,000 to 200 physically challenged individuals in Ondo South. He also intends to duplicate the empowerment initiatives in the Ondo North and Central. He has much to show as a federal legislator who has not gone to Abuja to merely warm his legislative seat. Ibrahim, in his eight months in the Senate, has displayed commitment to his constituency, state and country. He sponsored bills for new educational institutions, proposed amendments, and the establishment of the Bitumen Development Commission. The Senator initiated some laudable projects, including the rehabilitation of Igbotako road (25.9 Km, general maintenance), an asphalt overlay and maintenance of 500 meters in Igbotako; and road construction and asphalt overlay of Odogun (36 meters in length and 7.5 meters in width). He has also installed 410 solar lights in Ilutitun, Igbotako, Iju-Oke, Iju-Odo, Oloto Igodan-Lisa, Okitipupa, Erekiti-Luwoye, Araromi-Obu, Abusoro, and Agbetu. Ibrahim also believes in empowering the party faithful. Last month, no fewer than 660 grassroot party leaders received financial assistance. Over 7,511 individuals, including 27 APC ward executives, and 10 leaders per ward across the 203 wards in Ondo State, also received financial assistance.
The third phase targets the empowerment of 600,000 individuals; 200,000 beneficiaries per senatorial district. Ibrahim has also enlisted 3,933 unit managers and 203 ward supervisors for extensive outreach. The goal is to mobilise one million voters, thereby building stronger support for the APC in 2024 and 2027 elections.
- Folusho is based in Akure, Ondo State.
