Issac Kekemeke, the national vice chairman of the South-West All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared his interest in participating in the Ondo State governorship primary election scheduled for April 20.

Mr Kekemeke made this known at a press conference and public presentation of the LEKELEKE agenda of prosperity and peace organised by his campaign team on Tuesday in Akure.

“Today, I stand humbly before you to affirm my participation in the governorship primary election of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), slated for April 20, 2024,” said the national vice chairman.

Mr Kekemeke described himself as a tested and trusted aspirant to take over the affairs of Ondo.

“Evidently, as former Secretary to State Government (SSG), former attorney general, former commissioner of works, lands and housing, and minority leader in the state House of Assembly, I have not failed.

“Also, as National Examinations Council Board chairman, pioneer APC state chairman, and at present APC national vice chairman South-West, I have not let you down,” he said.

Mr Kekemeke, who said he was better equipped than he was four years ago, said he had a sole aim “To make government seeable, touchable and feelable, so much so that the pain of one would be the pain of all.”

He said the state’s progress could only be realised through the perceptive and deliberate efforts of party men, women and citizens who saw beyond the limiting haze of “prebendal politics”.

“The state cannot afford to amuse herself with bare pettiness, low sentiment and prejudices that have rudely arrested growth and development.

“Ondo State needs leadership not only for a segment of the state but for the whole state,” he stated.

The APC chieftain, therefore, said his agenda for prosperity and peace would ensure an industrial take-off of Ondo State through prioritised investment in human and natural endowment.

“We’ll offer free and compulsory primary education, free secondary school education, highly subsidised tertiary education, and quality health services for all, including the establishment of a pharmaceutical company and the “Ibile” hospital.

“Our programme includes the availability of food and employment opportunities through the civil farmer (agbe olowo osu) and the establishment of small-scale agro-allied industries,” he said.

(NAN)