Ahead of the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, three gubernatorial candidates have officially withdrawn from the race in support of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.
Dr. Ajibola Falaye, Hon. Jenyo Ataunko, and Olaide Ibrahim, representing the Accord Party, the National Rescue Movement (NRM), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) respectively, endorsed Aiyedatiwa on Thursday.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed the development, noting that the endorsement occurred during a solidarity visit by the candidates to Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Speaking on behalf of the three candidates, Dr. Falaye praised Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to public service, adding, “We have been watching him, and his doors are always open to all.” Falaye commended the governor’s inclusive governance style and his focus on residents’ welfare, particularly his efforts in maintaining security. “The state has been experiencing relative peace under his watch, which reflects his commitment to safeguarding the lives of our people,” he added.
The Accord Party candidate further emphasized the alignment of progressive values and goals between their respective parties and Aiyedatiwa’s administration. “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,” he said. “This Saturday, we will turn our commitment into votes. We will vote for continuity in Ondo State.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for the endorsement, describing it as “a quality decision made out of goodwill.” He acknowledged the support from his former competitors, saying, “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 mobilize their supporters to vote for the APC.”
The endorsement was attended by Benue Governor Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia and the Director General of Aiyedatiwa’s campaign, Hon. Abiola Makinde, among other dignitaries. In his concluding remarks, Aiyedatiwa encouraged supporters to turn out in full force on election day, emphasizing, “There’s no time left. I appeal to you all to encourage your members to come out and cast their votes for the APC.”
In related developments, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja disqualified Olusola Ebiseni, the Labour Party candidate. Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, urged voters not to be intimidated and to support PDP’s candidate, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, in the Ondo election.
