Three strong candidates have withdrawn from Ondo State gubernatorial race and thrown their weight behind the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The development is coming barely 48 hours to the election even as the Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced the distribution of sensitive materials across the State ahead of Saturday.
The candidates who have withdrawn and endorsed Aiyedatiwa are National Rescue Movement, Accord Party and the African Democratic Congress.
The three candidates on Thursday paid a solidarity visit to the government and posed for a photograph.
The candidate of the Accord Party, Dr. Ajibnola Falaye, speaking on behalf of two others eulogized Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unalloyed commitment to the progress of Ondo State.
The other two are the governorship candidate of the NRM, Hon. Jenyo Ataunoko and the deputy governorship candidate of the ADC, Mr Olaide Rasheed Ibrahim. The governorship candidate of the ADC had earlier declared support for Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Dr. Falaye stated that their decision to back the governor for Saturday’s election was based on observations of his longstanding commitment to public service, tracing back to his time as the deputy governor.
“We have been watching him, and his doors are always open to all,” Falaye stated, commending the governor for his inclusive approach to governance and for prioritising the welfare of residents.
He pointed to the governor’s record on security, stating, “The state has been experiencing relative peace under his watch, which reflects his commitment to safeguarding the lives of our people.”
The Accord candidate also noted the shared values of progressive politics and goals that NRM, ADC, and Accord find in alignment with the 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. This Saturday, we will turn our commitment into votes. We will vote for continuity in Ondo State.”
In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed deep gratitude for the endorsement, calling it a quality decision made out of goodwill by the candidates and their parties.
“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 mobilise their supporters to vote for the APC,” the Governor said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa warmly welcomed the candidates’ decision to unite behind him, describing it as an act of statesmanship.
Acknowledging the short time remaining before election, the Governor said: “There’s no time left. I appeal to you all to encourage your members to come out in full force on Saturday and cast their votes for the APC.”
The Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia and the Director General of the campaign, Hon Abiola Makinde, among others, joined Governor Aiyedatiwa to receive the three candidates.
