With just 48 hours remaining until the Ondo State governorship election, three gubernatorial candidates have officially withdrawn from the race and thrown their support behind Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The candidates include flag bearers of the Accord Party (AP), the National Rescue Movement (NRM), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, along with the Director General of the campaign, Hon. Abiola Makinde, and several other notable figures, joined Governor Aiyedatiwa in welcoming the three governorship candidates who have stepped down from the race.
Their endorsement of Aiyedatiwa came during a solidarity visit to the governor, in Akure, the state capital.
Dr. Ajibola Falaye, candidate of the Accord party, who spoke on behalf of the three parties, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to the progress of Ondo State and cited his achievements in office.
The other two are the governorship candidate of the NRM, Hon. Jenyo Ataunoko and the deputy governorship candidate of the ADC, Mr Olaide Rasheed Ibrahim.
Recall that the governorship candidate of the ADC had earlier declared support for Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Falaye said that their decision to back the 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.
According to him “We have been watching him, and his doors are always open to all.”
He commended the governor for his inclusive approach to governance and for prioritising the welfare of residents.
Falaye who pointed to the governor’s record on security, said that “The state has been experiencing relative peace under his watch, which reflects his commitment to safeguarding the lives of our people.”
The Accord candidate also noted the shared values of progressive politics and goals that NRM, ADC, and Accord find in alignment with the Aiyedatiwa’s administration.
“We see the infrastructural development that has taken place even within this short period.
“It is clear that the governor is actively working for the people. This Saturday, we will turn our commitment into votes. We will vote for continuity in Ondo State.”
Responding, Governor Aiyedatiwa, expressed deep gratitude for the endorsement, calling it a quality decision made out of goodwill by the candidates and their parties.
Aiyedatiwa said that “I didn’t call for this, but I am grateful that my colleagues in the race have voluntarily identified with my mandate and are ready to mobilise their supporters to vote for the APC,” the Governor said.
He welcomed the candidates’ decision to unite behind him, describing it as an act of statesmanship.
The governor said “There’s no time left. I appeal to you all to encourage your members to come out in full force on Saturday and cast their votes for the APC.”
