2024: GOV AIYEDATIWA HOSTS APC STAKEHOLDERS MEETING, CALLS FOR UNITY.
– As INEC certifies Gov’s primary victory, publishes details of candidates .
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State remains a united and indivisible family, regardless of individual ambitions and differences.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stated this during the party’s stakeholders meeting on Saturday, attended by leaders of the party from the 18 local government areas of the State, at the International Event Center, The Dome, in Akure.
This came as the Independent National Electoeal Commission, INEC, certified the outcome of the APC primary election held on April 20 by publishing the details of Governor Aiyedatiwa as the candidate of the party for the November governorship election.
The electoral body on Saturday pasted the details of all the candidates participating in the governorship election at its head office in Akure.
Addressing the party leaders, the Governor stressed the need for unity within the party, stressing that a cohesive and united front is essential for achieving common goals and ensuring the party’s success in the November 16 gubernatorial election.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, ensuring that all party leaders and members are involved in every decision.
Describing the primary election as a family affair, he urged every member to support one another in unity, reaffirming their collective responsibility in working towards victory for the APC.
“While we may have disagreements at times, it does not mean we are not part of the same party. Let us work together for our victory on November 16. Our party members need continuous encouragement, not just during election periods. Everything I have promised will come to fruition; they are not just mere words. In this administration, it is action over words.
“Considering our current position, it appears we have already won the battle due to our hard work but there is no room for complacency. I encourage our party leaders to return to their respective local governments, put in even more effort, and unite everyone”, he added.
Earlier, the APC state chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, in his welcome address, emphasized that every political party has its own constitution and rules that all members must follow. He noted that while the primary election has been concluded, it is crucial for party members to unite as one family in preparation for the real election on November 16.
“The primary was merely an in-house affair, now is the time for unity. Together we are strong; divided we are weak. We must pool our strength. One person cannot achieve this alone, which is why unity is essential. We need to be sincere with one another, as that is the essence of politics,” he stated.
During the interactive session, former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Adebunmi Osadahun, urged the governor to include more women in his administration, assuring him that the women of Ondo State are firmly behind him.
Mr. Morayo Lebi, one of the APC gubernatorial aspirants in the April 20 primary election, remarked that the stakeholders meeting is a welcome development and a positive step forward.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his efforts to unify all party members and appealed to all aggrieved party members to come together and support the Governor.
Those in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, former Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Senator representing Ondo North, Jide Ipinsagba, members of the State Executive Council, former Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, former Ambassador of Nigeria to Togo, Amb. Sola Iji, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Abdulazeez Oluboyo, former Commissioner, Solagbade Amodeni, Mr. Awodeyi Akinsehinwa Apata, Hon. Otito Atikase, Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu, among many others.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
May 25, 2024.
“Ondo APC Chairman, Adetimehin Has No Other Job Than To Produce Governors” – Aiyedatiwa
Ondo State Governor, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared that the state chapter chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Ade Adetimehin, has no other job than to produce governors for the state at every general election.
Aiyedatiwa made this pronouncement during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday, May 25, 2024, at the Dome Event Center, Alagbaka, Akure.
“This gathering marks a pivotal moment, the second since I took office as governor. It’s imperative that we stand united. All our leaders must be involved.
“Individual preferences for the party’s flag bearer before the primary election are behind us. Today, we stand united as one cohesive party.
“While the major issue of electing the party flag bearer has been settled, ongoing consultations are vital. None of us have abandoned our commitment to the party’s unity. To those who previously held differing opinions, I urge you to reunite with the party family.
“Let’s spread the message that our party stands as one. The primaries are concluded; now, it’s time to fortify our party at every level. Our constituents need encouragement beyond election cycles.
“The Chairman of our esteemed party, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, has no other job than to produce governors for the state at every general election.
“The current atmosphere resembles post-election anticipation. Let’s return to our local constituencies and engage leaders across all factions. You have to compile a list of ten individuals who have contributed to our party’s success and submit it for review. The government will verify compliance before making an official announcement.”
Earlier, while delivering his welcome address, the Chairman of the party, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, said, “The primary election has come and gone. We must be reunited to fight for the real election on November 16, 2024.
“I’m here to welcome all our leaders across the 18 LGAs and 203 political wards in the state.
“I say again, all the politicians in Ondo—heavyweight politicians—the Irokos, the Arabas, all the people that matter, are currently in the party.
“There’s no one who can do it alone. Let’s forgive one another. Look at the broom, our party’s logo: for it to be able to clear cobwebs, it must be united.
“This is our time; this is our turn to make this party great. Let’s put the party’s interest on the front burner. Let APC continue to rule Ondo State.
“In respect of the just-concluded primary election, we have set up two committees, and they are working.
“In the middle of it, we have equally set up a ten-man committee with me as chairman and Pa Pius Akintelure as co-chairman. We have had an interface with all the aspirants to see reasons why this house should stand. It’s turn by turn.
“Tomorrow, we will have a meeting with the Governor to present their terms for an amicable resolution.
“Lastly, meetings are important in every political party, and there’s no gain or benefit in second position.
“I want to appeal because INEC will soon start voter registration, and we cannot leave everything to the government. We must all participate as leaders to mobilize our people for the voter registration,” he said.
