By Ariyo Adeola Addition

As the 2024 Gubernatorial Election begins to gather momentum, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state will in a couple of days elects who will hold the party’s ticket in the Governorship election coming up later this year.

Many eminent qualified individuals (aspirants) have signified their intentions to fly the flag of the party in the race for the Alagbaka seat of power.

Like the renowned writer, D. O. Fagunwa said in one of his famous Yoruba books, “a man who wakes up in the morning who never thought of progress is dead amidst the living”. It’s considering this that any progressive mind will aspire to be counted worthy for anything good. The beauty of having this large number of ably qualified personalities showing interest to leading Ondo State to the promise land is a sign that the party is not dead but progressing and waxing stronger.

Whatever that is good will be keenly contested before a winner eventually emerges. This, therefore, is the main reason we must consider all the aspirants in this race as brothers contesting to represent the family in the larger contest.

As competent and qualified as all the aspirants in PDP are, certain qualities set them apart, and one man stands tall among all.

The man in question is Barr. John Ola Mafo. MOJ, as fondly called by friends and associates, is a man of many paths who has excelled in various capacities he was given responsibilities within and outside the party over the years. MOJ like many other aspirants had thrown his hat in the ring in the Governorship race, and he is in this race with the sole aim of leading the party to victory.

He is a loyal party man per excellence. His loyalty cannot be out to question. Mafo is one of the few of Agagu lieutenants in the party. He served as a Commissioner under late Dr. Olusegun Agagu and did that meritoriously.

We saw how people who have held enviable positions in the government through the party have been moving in and out of the party since the party left power in 2009. John Ola Mafo has never for one day ditch the party. He is one of those few who stood by the party through thick and thin.

If loyalty is a man, Mafo is worthy of being addressed as one.

His competence is another quality that even his swore enemy cannot deny about him. For Ondo to be on the path of greatness again, whoever is going to lead the state next must be prepared to bring innovations to governance in such a manner that will alleviate the suffering of the masses. He is equipped with enormous experience in the public and private sector, some of which are highlighted below:

• PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, 2016

• Chairman, Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), Jan. 2016-Oct. 2016.

• Special Adviser to the Governor of Ondo State, November 2015- Oct. 2016.

Chairman, Kastina State Gubernatorial Primary Panel, Jan 9, 2011.

National Delegate, PDP National Convention, Jan 2011 (for the nomination of President Jonathan as Presidential Candidate).

Member, Appeal Committee, Adamawa Gubernatorial Elections, October 2011.

Member, Screening Committee, Adamawa Gubernatorial Elections, October 2011.

Chairman, Kwara State Congress Panel,2012.

• Member, Resettlement Co-ordinating Committee for OKLNG Project, December, 2005-February, 2009.

• State Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Sports, Jan,2005–May 2007.

• SSA/LO, Ondo State Liaison Office, Abuja, September 2003- Dec. 2004.

• Member, Governing Board, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Zaria April 2001-April 2004 under President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Scanning through his policy document and tips on how he intends to run the government will convince every reasonable mind about his preparedness.

MOJ is not only eloquent. He is visionary, brave, exposed, composed and above all, consistent in his belief that for things to get better, the right thing must be done.

The PDP in Ondo state will be doing itself a huge favour by picking a man of John Ola Mafo’s standing as its flag bearer, as he has the experience and requisite knowledge to make a good governor.

John Ola Mafo is the man whose pedigree can lead the party to victory in the coming election.

Ariyo is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State