Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State formally submitted his expression of interest and governorship nomination form on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja.
Ayedatiwa was accompanied by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, Speaker of the Ondo House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, and Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice, among other supporters, at the party secretariat.
Aiyedatiwa arrived at the APC national secretariat, radiating confidence and determination, and appreciated his supporters for their unwavering support as a sound of solidarity filled the air.
Addressing the gathering, the governor attributed his desire to continue as governor of Ondo State to the resounding calls from various segments of society, who cited his achievements within his first three months in office, saying he enjoys the endorsements of over 100 support groups across the state.
He said, “My aspiration to continue serving as governor is not solely rooted in personal ambition but stems from the earnest appeals of the people of Ondo State.
“From the youths to the women, men, students, artisans, civil servants, traditional rulers, and various other segments of society, there has been a resounding call for my continued leadership.
“Their endorsement is based on the tangible achievements made within the short span of three months, which have underscored the need for continuity.
“Furthermore, the overwhelming support from over a hundred support groups across Ondo State further reinforces the widespread desire for my continued governance.
“The initial step in the election process involves collecting the nomination form, which has been successfully completed. Following this, the submission phase recently concluded, which aligns with my commitment as a law-abiding citizen who respects the party’s rules and regulations.
“Recognising the paramountcy of the party, I’ve diligently followed all necessary procedures to ensure compliance.
“Without the party, no candidature can be pursued, and in adherence to its guidelines, I am here to fulfil the requisite steps to become the party’s flag-bearer in the upcoming election.”
Aiyedatiwa outlined his vision for the state, highlighting strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing various sectors of the state’s economy.
He pledged to prioritise salary payments, education, agriculture, and infrastructure development, emphasising the importance of ensuring food security and improving access to markets for farmers.
He said, “During my initial three months in office as deputy governor, I operated within the confines of the governor’s authority, executing tasks as directed without independent discretion.
“Upon assuming the role of acting governor, we diligently followed through on existing initiatives while also setting our sights on surpassing previous achievements.
“I commend the late governor for his vision for Ondo State, and while we honour his legacy, we recognise the opportunity to set new benchmarks
“Over the past three months as governor, my team and I have implemented innovative strategies to address key challenges facing the state.
“We have prioritised timely salary payments for all state employees, bolstered the education sector by recruiting additional teachers, and covering all WAEC fees for secondary school students.
“We have made strides in gratuity payments and are committed to enhancing the agricultural sector to ensure food security for our people.
“Initiatives such as improving access roads to farms aim to facilitate the smooth transportation of agricultural products to markets, thereby stimulating economic growth and prosperity.”
When asked about the other 15 aspirants in the APC, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed respect for all aspirants while asserting confidence in the overwhelming support he has garnered from the people of Ondo State.
“There’s nothing to fear,” he declared, stressing the trust and confidence placed in him by the populace.
The APC governorship primary election is held on the 20th of this month in Akure.
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