As submitted in #Ondo2016 Series 1 that it remains to be seen if rotation will be the major determinant in the forthcoming elections (if it had ever been the case), so is every other factor and other adjoining factors that have all been pivotal in the election of the number 1 citizen of Ondo State. 

The north is crying it's her turn to return to the Alagbaka seat of power and the central is saying no one from the state capital has ever governed the state. Yet, the south premises her agitation on the fact that everyone has had a taste in the past, so it should be a "free for all" affairs. However, beyond the call of the stakeholders from these zones, this edition seeks to look at the personalities gearing up for this race. 

From the Northern part of Ondo State, the gladiators are preparing their team(s). Barrister Akeredolu who was the candidate of the defunct of ACN at the 2013 polls has not buried the hope of providing leadership for the people of Ondo State. Akeredolu, with the "stage name" Aketi is from Owo/Ose local government area and has Jamiu Ekungba, a philanthropist per excellence to contend with in his local government. Ekungba, a farmer who qualifies as "home grown" is also a member of the APC as the former NBA chair. 

Also from Owo, a former commissioner of special duties under the Mimiko administration is Honourable Niran Sule, an investment banker who had served at different levels has not at any point declared any intention but have people calling on him to put himself forward for the race. Still in the northern part of Ondo State, Owo local government also, is Akinfehinwa Ayodeyi. A former member of the House of Representatives who was an aspirant during the 2013 election on the platform of the defunct ACN. 

In the long list of possible aspirants from the Northern part is a former speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly who before the general elections dumped the PDP for APC. RT Hon Victor Olambintan who many has referred to as a gladiator from Akoko North West is one man who has never hidden his aspirations and desires to become the number one citizen of the sunshine state. From Akoko South West is the founding director of National Space Research and Development Agency, Senator Ajayi Borrofice. The Asiwaju of Akoko Land is the Senator representing Ondo Northern Senatorial District. 

Not to be taken for granted as the race gathers momentum is a former lawmaker who is currently serving as the chairman of national sports commission. He has been said to have a large following among the youth (I doubt the veracity of this) because of his undoubted love for sports. Elegbeleye from Akoko North East is one of the many people who are capable of occupying this seat from the Northern district. 

Olu Agunloye, the self acclaimed omoluabi of Ondo State who was a former Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission is another Akoko politician who will try his luck at the polls. He was with the defunct ACN, moved to the forgotten Labour Party (LP) and swiftly followed Iroko to PDP. 

Without mincing words, the Southern Senatorial district is blessed with "gladiators" who have paid their dues and a few rebels who can stand their ground(s) and sway massive support in their directions. Chief amongst them is the Arogbo born former special adviser to former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. A graduate of English Language from the then Ondo State University (OSUA) now Ekiti State University (EKSU), who has a long fruitful relationship with the youth owing to his contribution to youth activism and disarmaments of Niger Delta armed youth is well equipped and positioned to join the guber race. Kingsley Kuku who is also a philanthropist, author, and a grassroot mobiliser had been urged by his immediate constituency (the youth) to vie for the office of the governor and it is evident on the steady growth of his foot soldiers. 

Another man who has never hidden his desire of becoming the first man in the state is a former legal adviser of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP). Oke, a former legislator, trained barrister is from Ilaje. The former chair of OSOPADEC who was until recently a strong member of PDP seems to have lost a large chunk of his support base. It is yet to be seen how he will restructure and battle others in the APC for the single guber ticket available on that platform. 

Without any doubt, another man from the south that will join the race is a former governorship candidate of the ANPP. The Igbotako born oil magnate has always bankrolled elections in the state, yet, without a strong support base. Jimoh Ibrahim will once again put himself forth and hope to sway the people of the state to vote for him. 

This equation of political transpolation won't be solved if we forget to discuss the Senator representing the people of Ondo Central. A former commissioner of Finance, Senator Tayo Alasoadura left PDP for the defunct ACN in a bid to clinch the party's ticket in 2013. He lost it to Aketi. He is, however, a member of the Senate now yet his supporters are still drumming support for him for the guber race. I wonder if he is ready to leave certainty for uncertainty in this quest. 

With information from feelers and credible sources in Akure, there is a young, vibrant and cerebral technocrat who trained as an energy engineering expert at the University of Sheffield (England), Civil and Structural engineer at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). An advocate of technology driven economy and computer literacy amongst the pupils of schools in Ondo State is also popular for his advocacy for the proper liberalisation of the Nigerian electricity sub sector. Olatunji Ariyomo, AKA Tunji Light who is from Akure with a large pool of social good is set to introduce vigour and innovation into the governorship race. 

Furthermore, beyond rotation and personality of the aspirants, platform is a very important part of this electioneering process. Platform, which is not limited to registered political parties will have a huge impact. It has been seen over time that social groups, youth movements and other apolitical formulations have hitherto played a role in the outcome of elections. 

As #Ondo2016 race heats up, the impact of the last general elections can't be overemphasised as people would want to see the "dividends of democracy"; either tangible or not from elected officers. 

This would make it easy for people elected on different political platforms throw their weights around for their party candidates. The social good, developmental projects these individuals have contributed to the general development of Ondo State in their various ways would help their acceptance within the party and by the masses. 

To ensure good governance, which should come first; platform or personality? Don't forget to share your opinion with us through the comment box below. Thank you.