In a show of political force, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has thrown its full weight behind Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s bid in the November 16 Ondo State governorship election, with Vice President Kashim Shettima announcing a new university teaching hospital for Akure at the APC’s final campaign rally.
Speaking to a massive crowd in the state capital, Vice President Shettima, representing President Tinubu, emphasized the administration’s commitment to Ondo State’s development, pointing to recent federal appointments and infrastructure projects as evidence of the ruling party’s dedication to the region.
“The President has good tidings for the people of Ondo State, the people of the Southwest, and the people of Nigeria,” Shettima declared, highlighting the recent approval of the teaching hospital project. He further emphasized the administration’s commitment by noting the appointment of two senior ministers from the state, demonstrating the strategic importance of Ondo in federal calculations.
Ganduje emphasized the importance of political uniformity in the Southwest zone, calling for voters to support the party’s continuity agenda. “Vote for our candidate. By voting for him, you are voting for continuity. He has laid a solid foundation for progress and good governance,” Ganduje stated, urging supporters to deliver all 18 local government areas to the party.
The party’s Southwest Vice Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, framed the election as “a choice between light and darkness,” urging voters to support the ruling party’s vision for continued development.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, speaking at the rally, invoked the memory of his predecessor, suggesting that late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu would have supported his candidacy.
The high-powered delegation at the rally included Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, and Hope Uzodinma of Imo State. Also present were Minister for Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola, Minister for Youth Development Ayo Olawande, former APC National Chairman Senator Adams Oshiomole, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
Vice President Shettima’s closing remarks urged residents to “come out en masse” on Saturday, promising that the administration would continue to prioritize the state’s development. “Your vote will be your voice, your convictions, and your message to those who underestimate the strength and will of the people of Ondo State,” he declared.
The November 16 election is viewed as a crucial test of APC’s political dominance in the Southwest region, with the party machinery fully mobilized to secure victory in what promises to be a defining moment for both state and regional politics.
