One of the leading contenders for the governorship candidacy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Paul Akintelure, has tragically passed away.
Vanguard reported that prior to his sudden death, Akintelure had voiced concerns regarding direct and indirect threats to his safety.
According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Oladapo Akintelure, on Thursday, March 21, 2023, Akintelure expressed that despite his hopes for the situation to improve over time, the threats against him had only intensified.
“Initially, I held hope that these incidents would diminish, but unfortunately, they have worsened to the point of posing a significant danger to my life.
However, these threats only reinforce my determination to uphold principles of fairness and justice. I refuse to let fear dictate our course.
Let us embrace peace, progress, and unity, recognizing that our strength lies in unity despite our differences,” his statement conveyed.
It’s worth noting that Akintelure had previously contested as the deputy governorship candidate for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) alongside Rotimi Akeredolu, who is now the incumbent governor of Ondo State, in an election against Olusegun Mimiko, the former Labour Party flagbearer, who emerged victorious.
Before that, he had also vied for a senatorial position against the Peoples Democratic Party candidate but was unsuccessful.
As the momentum leading up to the Ondo governorship election continued to build, it’s notable that he hailed from Igbotako in the Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, and he was also a medical doctor.