By Julius Alabi, Akure
The pioneer leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, known as APC Aborigines, have announced Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as their preferred candidate ahead of the party’s primary and November governorship election.
The endorsement came during a meeting of the group in Akure led by Sola Iji, former Nigeria ambassador to Togo where the group adopted the candidacy of the Governor.
Leaders of the party at the event included former Deputy Leader of the Senate, Prof. Ajayi Borrofice, Chief Tokunbo Ajasin, Dr. Taiwo Malumi, Mrs Grace Animola, Alhaji Yinusa Adeola and Hon. Akinsehinde Awodeyi-Apata.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ambassador Iji said following the establishment of a nine-member committee, three aspirants were recommended after screening and out of the three Governor Aiyedatiwa scored the highest mark of 777 and thus adopted as the preferred candidate of the group.
He said the leadership unanimously agreed to select Governor Aiyedatiwa based on the set criteria including popularity, acceptability, financial capability, character, integrity, loyalty, commitment, educational background, and assessments by prominent leaders.
“After thorough discussions and careful consideration, the leadership collectively agreed to extend their endorsement to Governor Aiyedatiwa. This decision was not made lightly; rather, it was the culmination of a comprehensive assessment. This rigorous evaluation process underscores our commitment to selecting the most qualified candidate to lead us forward.”
In his remarks, Aiyedatiwa expressed his profound gratitude for the overwhelming endorsement of his candidacy for the upcoming gubernatorial election, thanking the party leaders for their commitment to the development of the party.
Highlighting the significance of their endorsement in line with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of continuity to uphold the legacy of former Governor, Late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.
The Governor said he accepted the endorsement with humility and a sense of responsibility, vowing to rededicate himself to the collective goal of building a more prosperous Ondo State.
“Let me say that your open, transparent and credible endorsement of my candidature is an honour, not just for me, but also for fellow contestants and the APC family in Ondo State. What you have done is to put our great Party on the path of victory in the impending gubernatorial election in our Sunshine State,” he said.
