Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State have expressed confidence in the victory of their Ondo State counterpart, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in the upcoming November 16 governorship election.
The three Southwest governors, all representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), were in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, on Sunday to rally party stakeholders in preparation for the election.
The stakeholder meeting, held at The Dome in Akure, was attended by prominent APC figures, including National Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, National Secretary Senator Ajibola Bashiru, and Southwest National Vice Chairman Hon. Isaack Kekemeke.
As Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum, Governor Sanwo-Olu led the session, stressing the importance of strong party mobilization 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.”
Oyebanji emphasised the importance of the upcoming election, saying, ‘Though we are celebrating my second year in office in Ekiti, I had to be here because the Ondo election holds greater significance.’
He urged party members to remain united to uphold the legacy of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. “This is why the APC must retain power. The late governor’s achievements must be preserved.”
Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and Prince Tajudeen Olusi of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council, also echoed the call for party unity to secure a decisive victory on November 16.
APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, reaffirmed the party’s commitment, stating that the purpose of the gathering was to assure Ondo State stakeholders of the APC’s steadfast 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 party members to look ahead and focus on the future.
He said, “In a democracy, contests are normal, but now our priority is the party, the state, and the nation. We cannot let the opposition take what is ours. We fully support our candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”
National Vice Chairman, Kekemeke, emphasised the need for collective mobilization ahead of the upcoming election. He stated, “Any internal disagreements must be set aside. It’s time to unite behind Governor Aiyedatiwa and ensure victory.”
Former Finance Commissioner and governorship aspirant, Wale Akinterinwa, dismissed rumors about his defection from the APC.
“I’ve heard speculations that I left the party; those are false. I remain committed to APC and fully support Governor Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy. Our focus now is securing a prosperous future for Ondo State,” he said.
Princess Oladunni Odu, former Secretary to the State Government, expressed her happiness over the unity displayed at the meeting, which she said demonstrates the party’s commitment to victory.
She added, “I am proud to be part of this gathering. The past is behind us, and now we must focus on the future because the party’s interest is paramount.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa, responding to the show of support, expressed gratitude to the party leaders and stakeholders for their unity and commitment.
“I deeply appreciate the solidarity from all corners of our party. Our administration has laid a foundation for sustainable development, and we cannot allow that progress to be lost. This election is about moving Ondo forward, and with your unwavering support, we will achieve that.
“We are focused on improving infrastructure, enhancing security, and creating more opportunities for our citizens. With our united front, I have no doubt that we will secure a resounding victory on November 16,” he added.
APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, in his welcome address, underscored the importance of unity, stating: “There are no divisions within our party. Ondo APC remains one indivisible family. We will make the national leadership proud by delivering a decisive victory in November.”
