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Published on 2024-03-13 10:16:23
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has officially declared his candidacy for the upcoming November 16 gubernatorial election. Aiyedatiwa made this announcement at a lively event held at the Gani Fawehinmi Arcade in Akure, surrounded by supporters and loyalists. The late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, had expressed his desire for Aiyedatiwa to succeed him, a sentiment that was conveyed publicly and privately on multiple occasions.
Aiyedatiwa, who assumed office on December 27, 2023, following Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s passing, is set to contest for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in the upcoming primary scheduled for April. Notable figures from the Ondo State APC attended the event to show their support, including former Ondo North Senatorial District Senator Ajayi Boroffice, House of Representatives member Mr Abiola Makinde, state House of Assembly members, and representatives of the party’s State Working Committee.
During the event, Aiyedatiwa reiterated his commitment to continue the work of his predecessor, focusing on improving the welfare of the populace, advancing infrastructure, and ensuring the state’s security. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming gubernatorial primary election, urging the people of Ondo State to use their vote wisely and reject those who seek to buy their conscience with money.
The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Olamide Oladiji, spoke on behalf of the majority members, stating that 18 out of the 26 state lawmakers were prepared to endorse Aiyedatiwa for the governorship position. Additionally, all the state’s representatives in the House of Representatives have pledged their support for Aiyedatiwa.
Aiyedatiwa will face various contenders in the APC governorship primary, scheduled for April 24. Some of the other contenders include former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa; former House of Representatives member, Mayowa Akinfolarin; former Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Oladunni Odu; and former Special Adviser to Governor Akeredolu on Health, Prof Francis Faduyile. The lineup also includes former APC governorship aspirant Chief Olusola Oke, former Ondo State Oil-producing Areas Development Commission Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Edema, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Dr. Paul Akintelure, and Brig. Gen. Olamide Ohunyeye (retd.).
In another report, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State attributed the PDP’s defeat in the 2024 Ondo state governorship election to internal discord and fragmentation within the party. Makinde stressed the need for unity within the PDP to ensure a competitive fight for the governorship ticket in the upcoming election in Ondo.
Overall, Aiyedatiwa’s official declaration of his gubernatorial bid has set the stage for a competitive and exciting race in the upcoming election. His commitment to continuing the work of his predecessor and focus on the welfare and development of Ondo State will likely resonate with voters as they head to the polls in November.
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