A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State, Olusola Oke, has taken a swipe against those using his marriage to an Igbo woman as a tool to undermine his political ambition.
According to Oke, his followers and the people of the state must not be swayed by such divisive tactics, stressing that it was a ploy to distract his focus from leading the state.
The governorship aspirant stated this while seeking the support of members and leaders of the APC in Igbara-Oke, headquarters of the Ifedore Local Council Government Area of the state, ahead of the primaries of the party on April 25.
Following the demise of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the issue of the spouses of aspirants had become a debate over their active involvement in the governance of the state.
While maintaining that it is not a sin for any man to marry outside his ethnic group, he described his Igbo wife, Nkem, as a wonderful and compassionate woman, noting that his political opponents pretend not to know his Yoruba wife of more than four decades, Dr Daisi, to score what he describes as cheap political points.
He emphasised that his marriage to an Igbo woman should not be weaponized for political gain, calling on his supporters to remain steadfast in their support for his candidature based on his track record and vision for the state, Daily Post reports.
Oke, who emphasised that his marriage to an Igbo will not affect governance if he becomes governor, stated that he is in firm control of his household.
The governorship aspirant harped on the need to focus on issues of governance and development rather than engaging in character assassination or playing on ethnic sentiments.
“Don’t vote for a stranger as governor. I have been part of your challenges and seek to be part of the solution.”
