The camp of the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has received a major boost in less than 48 hours to the governorship poll in Ondo State as three gubernatorial candidates have stepped down to endorse him.
The candidates are Dr. Ajibola Falaye; Hon. Jenyo Ataunko; and Olaide Ibrahim of the Accord Party, the National Rescue Movement, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), respectively.
In a statement released Thursday in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ayedatiwa, stated that the endorsement occurred during a visit to the governor in solidarity by the three candidates.
Dr. Falaye, speaking on behalf of the candidate, based their choice to support the governor on his record, exceptional performance in office, and dedication to public service.
He said, “We have been watching him, and his doors are always open to all,” Falaye stated, commending the governor for his inclusive approach to governance and for prioritising the welfare of residents.
“The state has been experiencing relative peace under his watch, which reflects his commitment to safeguarding the lives of our people,” he said, citing the governor’s security record.”
The candidate for the Accord Party also cited the progressive political ideals and objectives that the Aiyedatiwa administration shares with NRM, ADC, and Accord.
“We see the infrastructural development that has taken place even within this short period. It is clear that the governor is actively working for the people. This Saturday, we will turn our commitment into votes. We will vote for continuity in Ondo State.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa responded by expressing his sincere thanks for the support and describing it as a wise choice made by the candidates and their parties out of kindness.
“I didn’t call for this, but I am grateful that my colleagues in the race have voluntarily identified with my mandate and are ready to mobilise their supporters to vote for the APC,” the governor said.
The candidates’ choice to support him was enthusiastically embraced by Aiyedatiwa, which he called a show of statesmanship.
The governor acknowledged that there was not much time left until the election. I implore everyone to urge their members to turn out in force on Saturday and vote for the APC.
In addition to Governor Aiyedatiwa, the three candidates were received by Benue Governor Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia and the campaign’s director general, Hon. Abiola Makinde.
Meanwhile, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has started distributing sensitive materials to Ondo State’s local government areas.
Under the supervision of party agents, armed police officers, and many commercial buses that the Commission had rented, the distribution took place at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State. Security guards, party agents, and others were present to observe the drill at Akure.