As the November 16 election draws near in Ondo state, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State were in Akure on Sunday to assure Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of victory in the election in the State.
The stakeholders’ meeting, which took place at The Dome in Akure, was also attended by the National Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru and Southwest National Vice Chairman, Hon. Isaack Kekemeke.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is the Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum, moderated the meeting, emphasizing the need for the party to mobilize effectively ahead of the Ondo election.
He said: “We are here to appreciate every party member. Whatever differences may have existed in the past, it’s time to set them aside and work together as one big family. Nobody will be left behind or taken for granted.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is aware of this gathering and keen on ensuring APC’s victory in the coming election. We are in this race to sustain the ongoing development. We can’t afford to let our progress be reversed.”
Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, highlighted the significance of the election, stating, “Although we are marking my second year in office in Ekiti, I had to be here because the Ondo election is more important.”
He appealed to party members to remain united to preserve the achievements of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, adding, “This is why APC must be returned to power. The legacy the late governor left behind must be sustained.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and Prince Tajudeen Olusi of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council, stressed the need for unity in the party to ensure a smooth and decisive victory on November 16.
The APC National Chairman, Ganduje, said the purpose of the gathering was to assure Ondo State stakeholders of the party’s unwavering support for Governor Aiyedatiwa.
“This election is critical, and as party leaders, we must treat it with the seriousness it deserves. It is a task we must carry out diligently, not just for the state but for the party at large. This election is a win-win situation for everyone, and as the APC National Chairman, I expect nothing less than 90% of the total votes. Victory in Ondo is non-negotiable”, Ganduje stated.
Chief Olusola Oke, a former APC governorship aspirant, urged members to focus on the future. “In democracy, contests are normal, but our focus now is on the party’s interest, the state, and the country. We cannot allow the opposition to take our mandate. We are fully behind our candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.” He said
National Vice Chairman, Kekemeke, called for collective mobilization ahead of the election, saying “Any internal disagreements should be laid to rest. Now is the time to rally behind Governor Aiyedatiwa and secure victory.”
Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, a former finance commissioner and gubernatorial aspirant, dismissed rumors of his defection from the APC.
He said: “I’ve heard speculations that I left the party; those are false. I am fully committed to APC and to supporting Governor Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy. What matters now is securing a prosperous future for Ondo State.”
Former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, expressed joy at the unity displayed at the meeting, adding that it shows the party is seriously working towards victory.
Odu said: “I am proud to be part of this gathering. Whatever happened in the past is behind us because the party is supreme. Now, we must focus on the future,” she remarked.
Responding to the expressions of support, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the party leaders and stakeholders for their show of love, unity and commitment.
“I am grateful for the show of solidarity from every corner of our party. Our administration has laid the groundwork for sustainable development, and we cannot afford to let that progress slip away. This election is about moving Ondo forward, and with your unwavering support, we will achieve that.
“We are working to improve infrastructure, enhance security, and create more opportunities for every citizen. With our united front, I have no doubt that we will deliver a resounding victory come November 16,” he added.
In his welcome address, APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, stressed the importance of unity within the party, saying: “There are no divisions in our house. Ondo APC remains one indivisible family. We will make the national leadership proud by delivering a decisive victory in November.”
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
October 20, 2024.
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