The Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Rasheed Badmus, has described the outcome of the just concluded APC governorship primary in the state as a reflection of the people’s choice.
The Commissioner particularly congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his well-deserved victory, saying this will enable him continue to lead the state to greater heights.
Badmus, who described the primary election as peaceful, free and fair, further added that the total commitment of Governor Aiyedatiwa to the all-round development of the Sunshine State also contributed to his landslide victory at the primary.
He lauded the party leaders and members for voting massively for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the party’s standard bearer in the November 16 governorship election in the state.
The commissioner who hails from Afin-Akoko in Akoko North West local government area of the state, explained that the primary recorded large turnouts in support of Aiyedatiwa not only in his local government, the Northern Senatorial district, but across the state, saying the development was an indication that the people wanted the incumbent governor to lead them in another four years.
He specially appreciated President Bola Tinubu for providing leadership and ensuring democratic principles, leading to the peaceful primary in the state.
Badmus lauded the Governorship Primary Committee headed by Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, the National and the State Working Committees of the party, and other stakeholders for delivering the people’s choice as reflected by the primary election.
Recall that Governor Aiyedatiwa emerged governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), for the November 16 gubernatorial election in the state after defeating 15 other aspirants in the primary election conducted between Saturday and Sunday.
According to the results of the election announced by the Primary Election Committee headed by the Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, on Monday morning in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Governor Aiyedatiwa polled 48,569 votes to beat other aspirants in the primary election conducted on Saturday.
Former House of Representatives member, Mayowa Akinfolarin came second with 15,343 votes, while Olusola Oke, SAN, came a distant third with 14,915 votes. Immediate past Commissioner for Finance in the state, Wale Akinterinwa scored 1, 952, just as a serving Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim polled 9, 456.
Governor Aiyedatiwa won in 16 local government areas, while Oke won in llaje council. Election was cancelled in Ifedore local government area following the irregularities that marred the election in the area.
Badmus equally urged all other aspirants in the primary to accept the verdict in the spirit of sportsmanship knowing fully well that it is a contest between brothers of the same family.
The Commissioner called on the aspirants to rally round the governor in his determination to continue to deliver more dividends of good governance to the people of the state, saying it is time to unite and work together to ensure landslide victory for the party in the November governorship election in the state.
