The political feather ruffling among aspirants for the forthcoming Ondo State gubernatorial elections took a sad turn today as one of the notable contestant, Dr Paul Akintelure, died this morning.

Akintelure, a medical doctor, died in an hospital in Lagos Tuesday, after a very brief illness.

The APC Ondo State chapter, has been swift in mourning the death of the astute politician.

The party’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued by its state’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Alex Kalejaiye.

The statement quoted the state chairman of the APC, Ade Adetimehin, to have described the deceased as a personal friend, with whom he had a good relationship over the years

It read, “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.

“The state chapter condoles with the immediate family, Igbotako community, his political associates, and the Nigerian Medical Association. May his soul rest in peace.”

It will be recalled that Akintelure recently raised alarm that enemies of his candidature were plundering and defacing his posters and billboards in Akure, preparatory to the APC primaries billed to hold on April 26, 2024