Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly belonging to the All Progressive Congress (APC0 have expressed their full support for Governor Luky Aiyedatiwa to secure the party’s nomination in the upcoming gubernatorial primary election. Led by Speaker Olamide Oladiji and Deputy Speaker Abayomi Akinruntan, the 22 lawmakers conveyed their andorsement during a visit to the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. They emphasized Aiyedatiwa’s commendable performance since succeeding the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and advocated for his continuity. The lawmakers highlighted the restoration of peace within the party, attributed to the interventions of Prsident Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Umar Ganduje. They affirmed their solidarity with Governor Aiyedatiwa, citing the resolution of issues that previously caused strife within the State APC. Additionally, they lauded the governor’s efforts in facilitating the completion of ongoing projects initiated by his predecessor and his significant employment initiatives benefiting over 2,000 indigenous individuals in vital sectors, particularly education. Addressing criticism from the Ondo State APC Caucus in the National Assembly, the lawmakers dismissed it, labeling the accusers as “permanent residents” of Abuja, asserting the unsubstantial nature of their claims.
In his words:
“Most of those who are making the allegations are permanent residents here. They are not abreast with what is going on in Ondo.
Amidst the clamor from political heavyweights such as Jimoh Ibrahim and Olusola Oke to secure the APC ticket, the lawmakers stated they prefer not to engage in debates concerning people’s aspirations.
‘We do not want to join issues with who is running for governor or not. All we are asking is for the campaign to go peacefully and for there to be decorum in the way we run and campaign for the position. As far as some of us are concerned we do not want anything that will heat up the polity. Besides, we don’t want to lose the opportunity we have to retain power in the State as a party.