By Bunmi Yekini
In a strong show of unity and determination, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, inaugurated the party’s National Campaign Council on Monday for the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State. The event, held in Akure, saw Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu appointed as the council chairman, with former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, as Secretary. Attendees included Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, both sub-committee chairs within the campaign council.
In his address, Ganduje expressed the APC’s commitment to securing an emphatic victory in the November 16 election, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation and dedication by the campaign team. “The National leadership of the APC will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to achieve an overwhelming victory in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State,” Ganduje affirmed, urging the committee to invest their full efforts into ensuring a successful outcome.
Read Also: Aiyedatiwa Pledges to Boost Community Development and Agriculture in Ondo State
Read Also: Governor Aiyedatiwa Pledges Developmental Projects Across Ondo During Akoko South East Campaign Tour
Accepting his role as Campaign Council Chairman, Governor Sanwo-Olu voiced confidence in the re-election of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, crediting Aiyedatiwa’s performance as a key factor in earning the trust of Ondo State’s voters. “When I saw the compendium of all Governor Aiyedatiwa has been doing, he’s doing, and intends to do, I was impressed. This shows that he’s the best man for the job, and we are presenting the best for the people of Ondo State,” said Sanwo-Olu.
Sanwo-Olu further pledged to uphold democratic principles, promising a campaign rooted in integrity. “If you look at the composition of the National Campaign Council, you will see that our party is serious about winning the election. On behalf of the Council, I want to promise that we will run an issue-based campaign and there will be a free, fair, and credible election in Ondo State on November 16.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa, expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acknowledged the president’s leadership and commitment to the party’s success. “I thank Mr. President for personally taking the driving wheels in the journey to this point. I thank him for his resilience, courage, compassion, and integrity which have contributed in no small measure to the strength and prosperity of our party,” Aiyedatiwa remarked.
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements over the past year, Aiyedatiwa outlined several key milestones, including the construction of over 70 kilometers of rural roads, advancements in healthcare, and substantial investments in education and job creation. He described the inauguration as a symbol of commitment to the people of Ondo State. “This inauguration is not just a formality; it’s a commitment to the people of Ondo State that we will continue to work tirelessly for their betterment,” he stated.
The governor also took a moment to honor the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, acknowledging his lasting contributions to Ondo’s development. Calling for a moment of silence, Aiyedatiwa reflected on Akeredolu’s legacy, stating, “What we are doing here today is a display of the strength of our will when we work together.”
APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, hailed the occasion as historic, revealing that notable opposition figures had recently joined the APC in support of Aiyedatiwa’s re-election. “Today, history has been made. Prominent figures from the opposition have now joined the APC ahead of the election,” he said, adding confidence that the party would achieve an “over 80 percent success” at the polls.
Mr. Isaac Kekemeke, APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest), echoed these sentiments, indicating that the electorate is prepared to deliver overwhelming support for the party. “We aim for nothing less than 85 percent of total votes for the party in the election,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Committee, Mr. Abiola Makinde, conveyed his confidence in the APC’s chances of a decisive victory. Thanking President Tinubu and the APC leadership, he praised the campaign’s progress so far. “The quality of personalities in the national campaign council gives the Ondo State chapter of the APC confidence of a good showing in the election,” said Makinde.
With the inauguration complete, all eyes now turn to the campaign trail, where APC leaders have pledged an inclusive and issue-focused effort to secure a second term for Governor Aiyedatiwa.