• Olusola Oke, Mimiko, Others Show interest to replace Daramola

• As Buhari Rejects recommendations from APC Southwest Leaders

President Muhammadu has taken personal decision to appoint a minister for Ondo State without consulting any members of the party in the state due to internal wrangling within the State chapter of the ruling APC, Starnews has learnt.

Starnews gathered that the President also rejected recommendations by some Southwest Leaders of the APC in view of Ondo State Ministerial Nominee having taken decision to choose for the State himself. 

However, facts emerged yesterday that Buhari may settle for the reappointment of Prof Claudius Daramola, the outgone Minster of State for the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs as his nominee for Ondo State in this second term administration.

Sources hinted Starnews that the consideration for Daramola might not be unconnected with the influence of the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar, who was fingered as the advocate for the reappointment of Daramola for his alleged generosity to the Emir and his contribution to the development of Daura through the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

Starnews Investigation revealed that some Politicians in Ondo State who were already aware of this development have launched the battle to outwit Daramola in the race for the ministerial slot meant for the state. 

Some of them who spoke to Starnews said Daramola did not do well not only for Ondo State but also in his home town.

“We are already aware of the move by Daramola to present himself to the president through proxy for reconsideration of reappointment. This will not happen the second time. He didn’t represent us well. He didn’t perform not only in Ondo State but also in his home town”, the source said. 

As at the last count, no fewer than 10 politicians from the APC camp in the state have shown interest to represent the state in the Buhari’s new cabinet.

A former governor of the state in the opposition party, Segun Mimiko, is also romancing Presidency and some APC governors to get the slot meant for Ondo State according to the source who pleaded anonymity.

Other contenders include former chairman of APC in the state, Isaac Kekemeke, the South-West Director General of Buhari Campaign Organisation, Chief Olusola Oke, former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Victor Olabimtan. 

Also in the race are: Ifeoluwa Oyedele and Rotimi Fashakin who are both executive directors in the Niger Delta Power Holding Company and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) respectively. 

The latest on the list is: Mrs Bunmi Ademosu, Special Adviser to the governor on Multilateral and Inter-governmental Relations.