AKURE, Nigeria – Paul Akintelure, a prominent gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, has passed away.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, morning by the state’s APC Publicity Secretary, Alex Kalejaiye, who stated, “It is true, I can confirm it. We would issue a statement about it shortly.”
Akintelure, a medical doctor by profession and a respected politician from Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area, was in the race for the governorship of Ondo State as the election fervor heats up.
His political career included a notable run as the deputy governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) alongside the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu against Olusegun Mimiko, the then-incumbent of the Labour Party, who won the election.
Furthermore, Akintelure had previously contended for a senatorial seat, which he lost to a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.
In the weeks leading up to his untimely demise, Akintelure had publicly voiced concerns over what he described as both direct and indirect threats to his life.
Despite these fears, he remained hopeful that the situation would ameliorate over time. On March 21, he expressed his determination not to be swayed by intimidation, saying, “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 standing together as one, regardless of our differences.”
The passing of Akintelure has cast a shadow over the political landscape in Ondo State, particularly among the APC ranks and his supporters, who saw him as a beacon of hope and change for the upcoming gubernatorial election.
His call for peace, progress, and unity resonates more profoundly in the wake of his death, serving as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by political figures in Nigeria.
