Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) held a grand rally in Akure on Wednesday.
The event, which took place at the Democracy Park, was headlined by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima and attended by governors, ministers, lawmakers, and other senior party officials.
The final campaign rally saw a united APC presenting a strong and energetic push to secure victory.
Speaking to a large crowd of enthusiastic residents, Vice President Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, emphasised the party’s commitment to Ondo’s development under the Tinubu administration.
He urged the people of the state to vote for continuity and progress under APC leadership.Shettima also praised Ondo residents for their unwavering support for the party, assuring them that APC would continue to prioritize critical sectors such as 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.
After being presented with the APC flag from National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje reflected on his journey and expressed gratitude for the support of his late predecessor, late Rotimi Akeredolu.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Shettima, Sanwo-Olu, others arrive in Edo for Okpebholo’s inauguration
Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed that his administration had just begun addressing the state’s needs, stating, “You haven’t seen anything yet. With your support, we will achieve even greater things together. I urge you all to vote for APC on Saturday for a stronger, more prosperous Ondo State.”
Outlining his vision, Governor Aiyedatiwa pledged policies aimed at boosting economic growth, ensuring food security, improving infrastructure and social services, and strengthening state security.
APC National Vice Chairman for the South West, Isaac Kekemeke, and State Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, rallied the crowd, urging supporters to amplify the APC’s message within their local communities across the state.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasised the APC’s commitment to securing victories in all 18 local government areas of the state.
Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council for Ondo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, addressed the crowd, urging party supporters to maintain peace on election day and ensure victory for the APC.
READ ALSO: Gov Aiyedatiwa commissions reconstructed Alape-Araromi seaside road
APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a decisive win in Ondo, assuring Governor Aiyedatiwa of the party’s full support to deliver all 18 local government areas.
“This election is about political unity and strength,” Ganduje said as he presented the APC flags to Governor Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, 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 rallying support among fellow obas and chiefs within the traditional institution.
He said their collective backing, coupled with a strong turnout, was vital for him and the APC.He added that the Vice President’s ’s visit to the Deji’s Palace was a gesture of appreciation to the traditional rulers for their endorsement and for motivating the people to vote in his favour.
The APC governors present included Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Hope Uzodima of Imo, and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara.
Other key figures at the event 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.
READ ALSO: Ondo 2024: We’ll be transparent, REC assures electorates, stakeholders
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim led other APC governorship aspirants, with several National Assembly members from the state also in attendance. The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, led all APC members, highlighting the unity within the party as the election approaches.
