Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its grand rally in Akure on Wednesday, headlined by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, governors, ministers, lawmakers and top officials of the party.
The party’s final campaign rally, held at the Democracy Park, featured a united APC front, making an energetic push to secure victory in the election.
Addressing a sea of cheering residents, Vice President Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighted the party’s commitment to the state’s development under the Tinubu administration, urging the people of the State to vote for continuity and progress under APC’s leadership.”
Shettima commended the people of Ondo for their steadfast support for the APC, reassuring them that the party would continue prioritising critical sectors, including the economy, infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
“Ondo has two senior ministers under President Tinubu’s administration and just last week, the President approved the establishment of a teaching hospital for the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). This is because of the love Mr. President has for Ondo State”, the Vice President said.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who was presented with the flag of the APC by the National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, took the stage with a heartfelt message for the people of the State, reflecting on his journey and his late predecessor’s support.
He said: “I remember when our late governor chose me as his deputy, he believed in me, and while he intended for me to succeed him l, he never wished for it to be in his absence. Now, I’m here to fulfil that vision, and I pledge to sustain his legacies and do more for the people of Ondo State.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised that his administration had only begun to address the state’s needs, adding: “You haven’t seen anything yet. With your support, we will achieve even greater things together. I urge every one of you to vote for APC on Saturday for a stronger, more prosperous Ondo State.”
Outlining his vision for the Statw, Governor Aiyedatiwa promised policies focused on boosting economic growth, promoting food security, improving infrastructure and social services, and enhancing state security.
APC National Vice Chairman, South West, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke and State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, also energised the crowd, calling on supporters to amplify the APC’s message in their various communities across the State.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, underscored the APC’s commitment to winning all 18 local government areas in the state, saying: “We don’t want to leave any local government out. We are here to secure victory across board for for the APC. It will be 18-0 on Saturday ”
Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council for Ondo State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also addressed the crowd, urging party supporters to maintain peace on election day while delivering victory for the APC.
APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, reiterated the party’s commitment to a sweeping victory in Ondo, promising Governor Aiyedatiwa the party’s backing to deliver all 18 local government areas.
“This election is about political unity and strength,” Ganduje said as he officially presented the APC flags to Governor Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Dr. Olayide Adelami, symbolising the party’s endorsement and determination to win the gubernatorial seat.
Earlier, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his gratitude to the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, for gathering the support of fellow obas and chiefs within the traditional institution to back him and the APC with a strong turnout.
He added that the visit by the vice president and his entourage to the Palace of the Deji was a gesture of appreciation to the traditional rulers for their endorsement and for encouraging the people to vote in his favour.
APC governors in attendance included Ekiti, Abiodun Oyebanji; Ogun, Dapo Abiodun; Imo, Hope Uzodima; and Kwara, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Other leaders in attendance included Minister of Youth Development, Ayo Olawande, Minister of Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Secretary of the National Campaign Council, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole and former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shuaibu.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim led other APC governorship aspirants to the rally. Other National Assembly members from the State were also present, while all APC members of the House of Assembly were led by their Speaker, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, signifying unity in the APC ahead of the election
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