Guber poll: Tinubu didn’t appoint me Ondo APC leader — Interior Minister

THE Minister of  Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, yesterday, dismissed as ‘baseless and fictitious’, a report indicating that President Bola Tinubu has endorsed him as the leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State.

The Minister, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Babatunde Alao, said has advised aspirants to embrace the spirit of love and sportsmanship.

The statement reads: “It has come to our attention that a news article circulating on Blueprint newspaper, titled ‘Tinubu appoints interior minister political leader in Ondo,’ claiming that the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has been appointed as the political leader in Ondo state by President Bola Tinubu. We would like to categorically state that this report is entirely baseless and fictitious.

“The Minister of Interior completely disassociates and distances himself from the purported appointment, as it holds no truth whatsoever. There has been no meeting held with all the local government APC chairmen and leaders in Abuja, as alleged in the article.

“While the Minister is aware that the party’s governorship primary election is days away, he has advised aspirants to embrace the spirit of love and sportsmanship.

“President Tinubu, as the father of the nation and as the leader of the party, is a democrat whose interest is always to promote unity and peace and would not be involved in any action that will undermine that.  

“We urge the public to disregard the misinformation contained in the viral news article and to always rely on credible sources for accurate information.”

Meanwhile, kinsmen of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in Owo, Ondo State, yesterday, endorsed the former Finance Commissioner, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, as their preferred aspirant for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.

Akinterinwa was received by close and trusted allies of the late Akeredolu.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the APC in Owo, Mr Samuel Balogun, described the governorship aspirant as a loyal supporter and follower of the late Akeredolu.

Balogun said: “We greet our incoming Governor and welcome him to Owo. Akinterinwa is a core progressive, loyal Aketi follower.

“I remember during our campaign for Aketi in 2016, we ate and drank at his house in Ile Oluji. Throughout his time with the late Governor, he never betrayed Aketi or Owo.

“During the trying times, he didn’t abandon Aketi. He stood by him till the end. He has done well, and it’s time for us to reciprocate. We must stand by him, just as he stood with Owo by supporting Aketi all through. Akinterinwa is a good man.”

Also speaking, the coordinator of the Wale Akinterinwa Campaign Organization in Owo, Mr Fatai Olushina, assured that the people of Owo and the political family of the late Governor would stand by Akinterinwa always.

Addressing the large crowd, Akinterinwa, described his late principal as a dependable and trustworthy leader.

He said: “It’s without any doubt that I’m home here in Owo and that you have truly accepted me as your son. I am grateful for this rousing welcome that I have received today.

“If I say I am not overwhelmed by it, I’m lying. It also demonstrates the true nature of the Owo people. They are grateful people. 

“You know I was loyal and deeply committed to our former Governor, your son. Today, you have shown me that you appreciate our support for the administration. I won’t forget it.”