Wale Akinterinwa: Akeredolu wanted me to succeed him

A former finance commissioner in Ondo State, Wale Akinterinwa, has revealed that the late governor Rotimi Akeredolu had chosen him as his preferred successor before he passed away.

Akinterinwa, who is vying for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, said Akeredolu made his wish known to him after he returned from his medical trip to Germany in 2023.

He made this disclosure while appearing on a programme on TVC on Friday, where he also expressed confidence that he would defeat the incumbent governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the APC primaries.

“During the discussion in his office, he told me that he would want me to takeover from him. And he prayed for me,” Akinterinwa said.

“I’m also aware that he told certain people about that desire. The conversation happened immediately after he came back from Germany.

“At an appropriate time, I will make my intentions known. I am confident that I will get the ticket. The people are with me.”

On Saturday, Akinterinwa was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters at the Akure airport, who cheered him for his service to the state for about seven years.

He thanked them for their love and loyalty, and promised to reward them with good governance.

“I am humbled by your perseverance. You have been here since morning. I came late due to a delay in my flight as a result of poor weather. A lot of flights were canceled due to the weather,” he said.

“We had the opportunity to fly when the weather became clear enough and approved by the authority.

“I know you have been waiting for about eight hours to express your appreciation to me after my meritorious service to our state for about seven years.

“Your gesture is a testimonial that when you do well, people will appreciate you. This is a manifestation of better things to come.”