By Abiola Olawale
The candidacy of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lucky Aiyedatiwa has received a major boost as three candidates have withdrawn from the Ondo gubernatorial race to support him.
The candidates; Ajibola Falaye of the Accord Party (AP), Jenyo Ataunoko of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) and Olaide Ibrahim, deputy gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made this announcement in Akure, Ondo State.
A press statement released by the chief press secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan revealed that the three candidates paid a visit to Aiyedatiwa.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Falaye said Aiyedatiwa is dedicated to the progress of Ondo state.
He was quoted as saying: “We have been watching him, and his doors are always open to all.
“The state has been experiencing relative peace under his watch, which reflects his commitment to safeguarding the lives of our people.
“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.”
Aiyedatiwa, in his response, appreciated the governorship candidates for endorsing him.
He said: “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”
Aiyedatiwa asked the governorship candidates to appeal to their supporters to turn out on Saturday to cast their ballots.
“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,” he said.
The New Diplomat reports that the forthcoming election in Ondo State has emerged in a two-horse race.
Aiyedatiwa and Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) have emerged as the two favourites to win the election.
It would be recalled that Aiyedatiwa, a former deputy governor who assumed the position of governor following the passing of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in December 2023, is considered one of the frontrunners in the upcoming Ondo gubernatorial election.
He is contesting against Ajayi who is also a former Deputy Governor of Ondo state.
It would be recalled that Ajayi served as Akeredolu’s Deputy from 2017 to 2021 before their relationship deteriorated. Subsequently, the late governor opted to part ways with Ajayi and appointed Aiyedatiwa as his Deputy for his second tenure.
