The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has expressed confidence that the party will secure victory across all states in the Southwest geopolitical zone, following its recent success in the Ondo State gubernatorial election.
Dr. Ganduje made this assertion during a courtesy visit by the re-elected Governor of Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to the APC headquarters in Abuja to express his gratitude to the party.
Governor Aiyedatiwa won all 18 local government areas in the November 16 election, securing a landslide victory with 366,781 votes, far ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi, who garnered 117,845 votes.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Ganduje expressed optimism that the APC would replicate its Ondo success in Oyo and Osun states, solidifying its dominance in the Southwest zone, which he described as the political base of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Southwest geopolitical zone is the home of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Naturally, we should expect political homogeneity in terms of leadership. Through democratic means, we will do all that is possible to ensure APC’s dominance in the Southwest by winning the remaining states, Osun and Oyo,” Dr. Ganduje stated.
He emphasized that APC-governed states must deliver on the dividends of democracy to retain the trust of the people and maintain their electoral success.
Charging Governor Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Ganduje remarked, “Having served as deputy governor, acted as governor for 10 months, and now elected for a full term, you should be familiar with the needs and characteristics of all 18 local governments in Ondo. These insights must guide your administration in delivering impactful projects and programs that will improve the lives of the people.”
In response, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the APC and the people of Ondo State for his historic victory.
“The November 16 election was a clear and loud statement from the people of Ondo. The victory was not about me as an individual but about the party. I am merely a representative of the APC,” he said.
The governor pledged to uphold the people’s trust and deliver good governance, stating that the overwhelming support he received placed a responsibility on him to exceed his past achievements.
“Our performance will make our party proud. We will ensure that after our tenure, the APC remains the party of choice in Ondo State through the good governance we will provide,” Governor Aiyedatiwa affirmed.
