Ahead of the 2024 governorship election in Ondo State, everything seems to be aligning for the incumbent governor and APC candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Following the party’s primary election, the governor has made significant efforts to rally the support of his party members, and his reconciliatory efforts are starting to bear fruit.
On Monday, August 5, 2024, members of the Ondo State APC Caucus in the House of Representatives, led by Honourable Timilehin Adelegbe, pledged their full support for Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. They vowed to work tirelessly to ensure the party’s success in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
The eight caucus members have resolved to put the issues of the last primary election behind them and unite behind the governor to ensure victory in the governorship election.
During a courtesy visit to the governor at the Presidential Lodge of the Government House in Akure, the state capital, four members of the caucus were present: Hon. Timehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose), Hon. Gboyega Adefarati (Akoko South West/Akoko South East), Hon. Festus Adefiranye (Ile-Oluji-Okeigbo/Odigbo), and Hon. Jimi Odimayo (Okitipupa/Irele).
The other four members, Hon. Donald Ojogo (Ilaje/Ese-Odo), Hon. Abiola Makinde (Ondo East/Ondo West), Hon. Derin Adesida (Akure South/Akure North), and Hon. Ife Ehindero (Akoko North West/Akoko North East), were absent but sent their words of support and assurance to the governor.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Adelegbe stated that the visit was intended to dispel any doubts about the National Assembly members’ support for the governor in the upcoming election.
According to him, the caucus members have resolved to mobilize grassroots support and votes for Governor Aiyedatiwa to ensure a landslide victory.
Hon. Adelegbe commended the people of Ondo State for not joining the ongoing nationwide protests and praised the governor’s leadership in engaging various stakeholders to maintain peace in the state.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the APC in the state, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, appreciated the House of Representatives members for their prompt and respectful declaration of support for the governor in the upcoming election.
Engr. Adetimehin said this development promotes unity and strengthens the party in the state ahead of the November governorship election.
In response, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the lawmakers for their visit and support, saying it was a testament to their loyalty to the APC.
“Even though I have emerged as the party’s flagbearer, remember that the ballot will bear the APC name, not just mine. This is the APC’s election, and we must work collectively to achieve victory.
“You are the leaders and representatives of our people, and your support is invaluable. With all of you on our side, we are assured that the victory of our party is secured,” he said.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has displayed competence and capacity in bringing party members together after the keenly contested primary election. Even Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who initially challenged the primary outcome in court, later withdrew the case citing the president’s intervention.
