Less than 48 hours to the off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, three Governorship candidates have withdrawn from the election race, instead they endorsed the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent Governor of the State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
The candidates are those of the Accord Party, the National Rescue Movement (NRM) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The withdrawal from the political contest and support of the APC flag bearer came during a solidarity visit to the Governor, where Ajibola Falaye, candidate of the Accord Party, spoke on behalf of the three parties and their candidates.
He praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to the progress of Ondo State and cited his achievements in office within the short period.
The other two present at the visit were; the Governorship candidate of the NRM, Jenyo Ataunoko and the Deputy Governorship candidate of the ADC, Olaide Rasheed Ibrahim.
Falaye stated that their decision to back the incumbent 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 of the State.
“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 Party candidate also noted what he called the Shared Values of progressive politics and goals that NRM, ADC, and Accord Party find in alignment with the Aiyedatiwa’s administration.
Governor Aiyedatiwa warmly welcomed the candidates’ decision to unite behind him, describing it as an act of statesmanship.
The Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia and the Director General of the Campaign organisation, Abiola Makinde, among others, joined Governor Aiyedatiwa to receive the three candidates.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
