Ondo 2024: How Akintelure’s death may scuffle APC primaries

One of the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State, Dr. Paul Akintelure, has passed on.

He is reported to have died in a hospital in Lagos after a brief illness.

His spokesman, Oladapo Akintelure, has since confirmed his death, saying he died in a Lagos hospital after a brief illness.

It would be recalled that the late Akintelure alleged threat to his life three days ago in a press statement.

He, however, said in the statement that he remained undeterred in the pursuit of his ambition.

He said then that, “It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge recent unsettling events wherein there have been both direct and indirect attempts on my person. Initially, I hoped these incidents would dissipate over time, yet regrettably, they have escalated to pose a serious threat to my life.

“I have engaged in necessary consultations with agencies entrusted with the safety of lives and properties, and I have already received intelligence reports and recommendations. Rest assured, I remain resolute in my commitment to serve the people of Ondo State.

“Our focus is intact, I refuse to be intimidated or deterred from my mission to bring positive change to our beloved state. We are high in spirit and won’t relent in our drive towards a better Ondo State. The threats against me only strengthen my resolve to stand up for what is right and just. I will not allow fear to dictate our path forward.”

He had called for peace in the statement appealing that everybody should embrace peace, progress, and unity.

“Our collective strength lies in our ability to stand together as one, regardless of our differences. Together, we will overcome any challenge and emerge stronger than ever before,” he said

The late Akintelure who was running mate to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in the 2012 governorship election, had promised to give Ondo youths N5 billion loan if elected as Governor.