With just over a week until Ondo State’s highly anticipated governorship election, Babatunde Francis Alli, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) candidate, is gaining a wave of cross-party support, indicating a potential shift in the state’s political alignment.
Known as a “new breed” leader, Alli has attracted backing from influential figures across the APC, PDP, and ZLP, as insiders seek a fresh approach to governance in Ondo.
Reports from both the APC and PDP reveal an increasing number of members quietly advocating for Alli’s candidacy, citing disenchantment with their parties.
“He’s young, capable, and deeply understands the needs of the people,” an APC leader noted, expressing confidence in Alli’s potential, as, a PDP stalwart also remarked, “After the last debate, it was clear we need a change; he brings a vision that resonates with Ondo’s citizens.”
The party leaders, speaking anonymously, echoed analysts who once predicted a straightforward contest between the APC and PDP, but now believe the PRP’s growing influence has shifted these expectations.
Historically, Ondo’s political landscape has been known for its unpredictability, often defying the dominance of major parties, as past elections saw Governor Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party take office despite the PDP’s federal advantage, and more recently, notable Ondo voters have spoken against established candidates.
Observers now question if Alli’s rising popularity could set the stage for another historic upset in this election, as key figures from the APC who were dissatisfied with the outcome of the April primary election have reportedly shifted their support towards Alli, viewing his campaign as a path toward more inclusive governance.
Alli, who also anticipates popular support, has promised to involve civil servants in leadership positions, such as the Local Government Service Commission and SUBEB.
His appeal among the Christian community has also strengthened his candidacy, as he continues to call for unity and promises transparency in governance.
Confident in his prospects, Alli stated last month, “We’re ready to win with over a million votes. Ondo deserves a government that genuinely serves its people.”
As the November 16 election draws near, analysts have posited that Ondo’s political scene is poised for a potentially transformative outcome, with Alli positioned as a formidable contender in what could be a significant realignment of power in the state.
Political observers are now closely watching the build-up to November 16, as Alli’s coalition of supporters grows stronger across traditional party lines. His candidacy has evolved into a symbol of the mounting demand for new leadership in Ondo, with many speculating that he could indeed break the cycle of APC-PDP dominance in the state.
“The people are ready for change,” commented a senior political analyst. “If Alli continues on this path, Ondo might witness a dramatic shift that could influence the political landscape well beyond this election.”
In the final days of the campaign, Alli and his team are expected to ramp up grassroots outreach efforts, focusing on engaging communities across Ondo’s rural and urban areas, and as polling day approaches, Ondo State could indeed be on the cusp of a new era in its political history.
