Ondo 2024: Let’s sustain Akeredolu’s legacy – Gov Oyebanji begs APC leaders

Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Sunday appealed to leaders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ondo State to work together to ensure the party’s victory in the November 16 governorship election.

Oyebanji made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Akure at the instance of the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje.

He appealed to party leaders to remain united to sustain the achievements of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

“This is why APC must be returned to power. The legacy the late governor left behind must be sustained,” Oyebanji stated.

The governor while highlighting the significance of the election, said, “Although we are marking my second year in office in Ekiti, I had to be here because the Ondo election is more important.”

Also speaking, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, assured their Ondo State counterpart, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, of galvanising members to ensure the party’s victory in the election.

The three South-West governors on the platform of the APC were in the state to rally support for the party ahead of the election.

Thefrontrank reports that the meeting was also attended by Ganduje, the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru; and South-West National Vice Chairman, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, among others.

Sanwo-Olu, who is the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, moderated the meeting, emphasizing the need for the party to mobilize effectively ahead of the election.

Said he: “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.”

The Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; and Prince Tajudeen Olusi of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council, stressed the need for unity in the party to ensure victory on November 16.

The APC National Chairman said the purpose of the gathering was to assure Ondo State stakeholders of the party’s unwavering support for 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 members to focus on the future.

“In democracy, contests are normal, but our focus now is on the party’s interest, the state, and the country.

“We cannot allow the opposition to take our mandate. We are fully behind our candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa,” he said.

National Vice Chairman, Kekemeke, called for collective mobilization ahead of the election, saying “Any internal disagreements should be laid to rest.

“Now is the time to rally behind Governor Aiyedatiwa and secure victory.”

Mr Wale Akinterinwa, a former Commissioner for Finance and gubernatorial aspirant, dismissed rumour of his defection from the APC.

“I’ve heard speculations that I left the party; those are false. I am fully committed to APC and to supporting Governor Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy. What matters now is securing a prosperous future for Ondo State.”

Former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, expressed joy at the unity displayed at the meeting, adding that it shows the party is seriously working towards victory.

Odu said: “I am proud to be part of this gathering. Whatever happened in the past is behind us because the party is supreme. Now, we must focus on the future.”

Responding to the expressions of support, Aiyedatiwa thanked the party leaders and stakeholders for their show of love, unity and commitment.

“I am grateful for the show of solidarity from every corner of our party. Our administration has laid the groundwork for sustainable development, and we cannot afford to let that progress slip away.

“This election is about moving Ondo forward, and with your unwavering support, we will achieve that.

“We are working to improve infrastructure, enhance security, and create more opportunities for every citizen. With our united front, I have no doubt that we will deliver a resounding victory come November 16,” he added.

In his welcome address, APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, stressed the importance of unity within the party, saying.

“There are no divisions in our house. Ondo APC remains one indivisible family. We will make the national leadership proud by delivering a decisive victory in November,” Adetimehin said.