Akure APC Leaders Insist Indigene Should Succeed Aiyedatiwa as Ondo Governor
Leaders and elders of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State have declared their firm support for an indigene of the town to emerge as the next governor of the state after the tenure of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. This declaration was made over the weekend during a stakeholders' meeting held in Akure, the state capital, under the leadership of Prince Tony Ala.
Call for Equity and Political Inclusiveness
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the APC leaders reaffirmed their loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa while stressing the critical need for equity, fairness, and political inclusiveness. They argued that the Akure community is now ripe and deserves a legitimate opportunity to produce the next governor of Ondo State, reflecting the aspirations of the Akure-speaking communities and aligning with broader goals of balanced representation across the state.
The communiqué was signed by Prince Tony Ala alongside other prominent party leaders, including Sunday Adejuyigbe, Ifedayo Ologometa, Dele Faboro, Hon. Idowu Otetubi, and Femi Bello. Additional signatories were Elder Micheal Olusanya Ojuola, Ifedayo Adewole, Oluranti Fakinlede, Sunday Faleye, Hon. Muyiwa Adebayo, Enas Mohammed, Francis Belonwu, Hon. Rev. Abisola Oluwatayo, and Mr Ayo Alabi, among others.
Strategic Positioning and Endorsements
The leaders resolved to strategically position a qualified indigene of Akure for the next governorship election in Ondo State after Governor Aiyedatiwa's tenure, committing to work collectively towards achieving electoral victory. In addition to this gubernatorial focus, they endorsed specific candidates for legislative seats:
- Oluwafemi Fadairo (Fada) for the Akure North/Akure South Federal House of Representatives seat, noting his background as a former Director of Administration for the Senate.
- Adeola Rosemary Fynch for the Ondo State House of Assembly, Akure South Constituency I.
These endorsements were based on the aspirants' demonstrated loyalty, strong grassroots connections, and perceived capacity to effectively represent the people. The leaders explicitly rejected the idea of automatic tickets for contestants, insisting that only credible and widely acceptable aspirants should emerge to represent the APC, particularly in the Akure region, in the forthcoming general elections.
Appreciation for Tinubu's Leadership
Meanwhile, the leaders applauded President Bola Tinubu's leadership, describing his administration as visionary and reform-driven. They highlighted that his policies are repositioning Nigeria for economic recovery and sustainable growth. The leaders also credited the President for facilitating key development projects in Akure and its environs, including:
- The upgrade of the State Specialists Hospital into the Federal University of Technology, Akure Teaching Hospital.
- Various road infrastructure projects.
- The approval of an aviation college campus in Akure.
In light of these achievements, the stakeholders pledged to mobilise grassroots support with massive votes to ensure President Tinubu's re-election bid in the 2027 general election.
Vote of Confidence in Aiyedatiwa
The meeting also passed a vote of confidence in Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, praising his leadership style, inclusive governance, and efforts at maintaining stability within the party. This endorsement underscores the leaders' support for the current administration while advocating for a transition to an Akure indigene in the future gubernatorial race.
