A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Dr. Paul Akintelure, is dead.
The aspirant for the November 16, 2024 election had five days ago raised an alarm on alleged threats to his life.
Akintelure, a medical doctor, and was the running mate of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on the platform of the then Action Congress of Nigeria, had said the threat to his life were both direct and indirect.
He died in the early hours of Tuesday during a brief illness in Lagos, informed sources said.
The former senatorial aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, who is from Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, said in a statement by his spokesman, Oladapo Akintelure, on March 21, 2024: “Initially, I hoped these incidents would dissipate over time, yet regrettably, they have escalated to pose a serious threat to my life.
“The threats against me only strengthen my resolve to stand up for what is right and just.
“I will not allow fear to dictate our path forward.
“Let us embrace peace, progress, and unity.
“Our collective strength lies in our to stand together as one, regardless of our differences.”
Meanwhile, the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has mourned the death of one of its governorship aspirants, Dr Paul Akintelure..
The party’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued by its state Publicity Secretary, Mr Alex Kalejaiye.
The statement quoted the state chairman of the APC, Ade Adetimehin, as describing the deceased as a personal friend, with whom he had a good relationship over the years.
It reads, “The All Progressives Congress in Ondo State is saddened over the death of one of its gladiators, Dr. Paul Akintelure. He was a governorship aspirant, getting ready to participate in the party’s primary slated for next month.
“Akintelure was a highly refined and consistent political figure whose position was that the essence of being in politics is to build the people and the land.
“The contributions of the departed political leader to the development and stability of Ondo State chapter of APC will not be forgotten. Like other governorship aspirants, he was optimistic of victory, come April. He had many other plans, but death was never part of them.