••as Akinterinwa suspends political activities in honour of late aspirant
One of the frontline governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Paul Akintelure, is dead.
Akintelure was said to have died in early hours of today, March 26, 2024 after complaining of chest pain.
Before his untimely demise, Akintelure had raised concerns about both direct and indirect threats to his life.
He had expressed hope that the situation would improve over time but sadly, it escalated as the APC governorship primary election scheduled for April 25 approached.
Akintelure in a statement released by his spokesperson, Oladapo Akintelure, on Thursday, March 21, 2023, said, “Initially, I hope these incidents would dissipate over time, yet regrettably, they have escalated to pose a serious threat to my life.
“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.
“Let us embrace peace, progress, and unity. Our collective strength lies in our to stand together as one, regardless of our differences.”
Akintelure served as the running mate to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu during the 2012 election under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) against Olusegun Mimiko, the then Labour Party flagbearer, who won the election.
Earlier, he had contested the senatorial election against the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, but he was defeated.
He was a medical doctor and hailed from Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
This development happened as the build-up to the Ondo governorship election continued to gather momentum.
Meanwhile, Wale Akinterinwa, a fellow governorship aspirant on the same platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended his political activities following the sudden death of Akintelure.
Akinterinwa said his campaign activities, which was earlier planned to kick off today, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, with a praise worship at his his country home in Ile-Oluji, was suspended in honour of a friend and comrade.
According to a statement made available to journalists in Akure on Tuesday, by Segun Ajiboye, the spokesperson to Wale Akinterinwa Campaign Organisation said; “I am saddened by the news of the passing of a friend and comrade.
“Following this sad incident, I have decided to suspend all political activities of our campaign organisation.
“I pray God to console his family, friends and the APC in Ondo state and to give the fortitude to bear this great loss.”
