Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urging him to ensure the selection of credible and capable candidates for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming local government elections, set to take place on January 18, 2025.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, Demehin Stephen, the Coordinator of the IPPM, expressed the group’s strong desire for the governor, in his capacity as the state party leader, to prioritize qualities such as competence, resourcefulness, and intellectual acumen when choosing candidates for the upcoming polls.
The statement articulated a clear message: “We encourage the governor to place a significant emphasis on competence, which should be assessed through a candidate’s sound administrative ability, exposure, resourcefulness, and intellectual proficiency. These traits are essential prerequisites for effectively steering the local government in Ondo State.”
Highlighting the critical nature of the upcoming local government elections, the IPPM underscored the need to select a qualified candidate to represent the Ilaje Local Government Area. This area holds strategic importance, given its wealth of mineral and natural resources, which can significantly impact local and state development if properly managed.
“Choosing the right candidate, one who possesses the necessary competencies will facilitate the seamless integration of our local governments into the broader developmental agenda of the state,” the statement further elaborated. “This, in turn, will lead to effective service delivery and the adequate implementation of government policies at the grassroots level, ensuring that the benefits of development reach the local communities.”
The group did not shy away from articulating the potential consequences of poor candidate selection. They warned that any miscalculation in this regard could prove “counter-productive, retrogressive, and detrimental to the developmental efforts initiated by the state government.” Such outcomes could stall progress and exacerbate existing challenges facing the local government areas.
The call for competent leadership comes in light of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission’s (OSIEC) track record of rescheduling the local council polls. The elections, originally slated for July 13, 2024, have now been postponed to January 18, 2025. This change has reignited discussions about the importance of preparedness and the qualifications of those who will possibly take on leadership roles within the various local governments across the state.
As the countdown to the elections continues, the Ilaje Progressive Political Movement is eager to see a renewed focus on the attributes that truly matter in the selection of candidates. They advocate for a shift from mere political affiliations to a more meritocratic approach that emphasizes capabilities, experience, and the ability to effect positive change in the communities.
The IPPM’s vision aligns with a growing sentiment among constituents who are demanding transparency and accountability in the political process. As Ondo State approaches this crucial electoral cycle, the emphasis on competence and effective governance may well dictate the future trajectory of local government administration, impacting the lives of residents for years to come.
In conclusion, the Ilaje Progressive Political Movement’s appeal to Governor Aiyedatiwa serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role competent leadership plays in local governance. With the elections on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever, and the call for qualified candidates resonates deeply within the framework of sustained development and community progress in Ondo State.
