The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, says his desire to contest in the 2024 governorship election is not solely rooted in personal ambition but stems from the earnest appeals of the people of the state.
Aiyedatiwa said this as hundreds of party leaders and supporters on Thursday thronged the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja as he formally submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms ahead of the governorship primary of the party.
The governor was accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan and other members of the Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Tayo Oluwatuyi and other party chieftains, including Sen Robert Ajayi Boroffice, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Hon. Ade Adeogun, Hon. Bola Ilori, Chief Gbenga Ale and Rear Admiral Samuel Alade (rtd), among others.
Aiyedatiwa submitted the forms to the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the party, Mr. Chidi Duru Nze and the National Legal Adviser, Prof. A Kana, both of whom commended the governor for his humility and respect for the party by personally submitting his forms at the secretariat.
Addressing the press, the governor attributed his desire to continue as governor to the resounding calls from various segments of the state, citing achievements within his first three months in office and endorsements from over 100 support groups across the State.
He said, “My aspiration to continue serving as governor is not solely rooted in personal ambition but stems from the earnest appeals of the people of Ondo State. From the youths to the women, men, students, artisans, civil servants, traditional rulers, and various support groups, there has been a resounding call for my continued leadership.
“Their endorsement is based on the tangible achievements we have been able to make within the short span of three months, which have underscored the need for continuity.
“I am here to fulfill the requisite steps to become the party’s flag-bearer in the coming election and we are ready to lead our party to victory in November.”
The governor pledged to prioritise workers welfare, education, infrastructural development and agriculture, emphasising the importance of ensuring food security and improving access to markets for farmers.
When asked about the other 15 aspirants in the APC, Aiyedatiwa expressed his respect and admiration for all aspirants while asserting confidence in the overwhelming support he has garnered from the people of Ondo State.