Eight out of nine representatives from Ondo State have announced their backing for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress candidate, just three months before the state’s gubernatorial election.
The declaration of support was made public in a statement released by Mr Allen Sowore, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Strategic Communications.
The statement disclosed that the eight APC members of the House of Representatives are: Mr Timehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency), Derin Adesida (Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency), Abiola Makinde (Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency), Jimi Odimayo (Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency), Donald Ojogo (Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency), Gboyega Adefarati (Akoko South-West/Akoko South-East Federal Constituency), Ife Ehindero (Akoko North-West/Akoko North-East Federal Constituency), and Festus Adefiranye (Ile-Oluji-Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency).
The federal lawmakers, as part of the Ondo State APC Caucus in the House of Representatives, have pledged to work diligently towards ensuring the success of the party in the upcoming governorship election.
The statement conveyed, “On Monday, August 5, 2024, members of the House pledged their unwavering support for Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. The caucus members have decided to put the issues from the previous primary election aside and unite in support of the governor for victory in the governorship election.
“During a courtesy visit to the governor at the Presidential Lodge of the Government House in Akure, four caucus members were physically present, while the other four who were absent sent messages of support and assurance to the governor.”
The group’s leader, Mr Timehin Adelegbe, expressed that the visit aimed to dispel any doubts about the National Assembly members’ support for the governor in the forthcoming election. He emphasized that the APC caucus members plan to rally grassroots support and votes for Governor Aiyedatiwa for a resounding victory.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the APC in the state, Mr Ade Adetimehin, praised the House of Representatives members for promptly and respectfully stating their endorsement for the governor ahead of the election, highlighting that this would foster unity and fortify the party in preparation for the November gubernatorial election.
In response, Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for their visit and support, emphasizing that it showcased their loyalty to the APC.
“Although I have emerged as the party’s flagbearer, we must remember that the APC’s name, not just mine, will appear on the ballot. It is the APC’s election, and we must collaborate to secure victory. Your support, as the leaders and representatives of our people, is invaluable. With your backing, we are confident in securing our party’s triumph,” praised Aiyedatiwa.
PUNCH Online reported that APC lawmakers in the House of Representatives who were supporters of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu urged President Bola Tinubu to caution Governor Aiyedatiwa due to alleged disrespect towards the late governor.
In an open letter signed by six lawmakers including Adesida Abiodun (Akure North/South), Timehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose), Festus Ayodele (Ileoluji-Okeigbo/Odigbo), Ojogo Kimikanboh (Ilaje/Ese-Odo), Odimayo John (Okitipupa/Irele), and Adegboyega Adefarati (Akoko South West/South East) Federal Constituencies, they cautioned of severe consequences for the APC if Governor Aiyedatiwa does not backtrack on his actions.
The caucus leader, Adesida, appealed to Tinubu to intervene and safeguard the party’s image, especially leading up to the upcoming November 16 gubernatorial election.