Less than 48 hours to the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, two governorship candidates have announced their withdrawal from the contest and consequently adopted incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The candidates who withdrew from the race are that of the Accord Party (A), and the National Rescue Movement (NRM). The deputy governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) also followed suit.
Their withdrawal and endorsement of Aiyedatiwa came during a solidarity visit to the governor, where Dr. Ajibola Falaye, the candidate of the Accord Party, speaking on behalf of the three political parties, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to the progress of Ondo State and his achievements in office.
The other governorship candidate include Hon. Jenyo Ataunoko of NRM and the deputy governorship candidate of the ADC, Mr Olaide Rasheed Ibrahim. The governorship candidate of the ADC had earlier withdrawn from the race and declared support for Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Dr. Falaye stated that their decision to back the incumbent governor and APC candidate for the Saturday’s election was based on observations of his longstanding commitment to public service, dating back to his time as the deputy governor of the State.
“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.
He pointed to the governor’s record on security, stating, “The state has been experiencing relative peace under his watch, which reflects his commitment to safeguarding the lives of our people.”
The Accord Party candidate also noted the shared values of progressive politics and goals with NRM, ADC, which the party fou d in alignment with the Aiyedatiwa administration.
“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.”
In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed deep gratitude for the endorsement, calling it a quality decision made out of goodwill by the candidates and their parties.
“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.
Governor Aiyedatiwa warmly welcomed the candidates’ decision to unite behind him, describing it as an act of statesmanship.
Acknowledging the short time remaining before election, the Governor said: “There’s no time left. I appeal to you all to encourage your members to come out in full force on Saturday and cast their votes for the APC.”
The governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, and the Director General of the APC campaign council, Hon. Abiola Makinde, among others, joined Governor Aiyedatiwa to receive the three candidates.
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