FIC Report (Ondo State) – Ahead of the local government elections scheduled for January 18, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has urged chairmanship and councilorship candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress to eschew overconfidence and maintain focus to secure victory at the polls.
Addressing party flagbearers at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure, Aiyedatiwa held a strategic meeting with chairmanship and vice-chairmanship candidates from the state’s 18 local government areas, as well as councillorship aspirants representing 203 wards.
The session was convened to galvanize support and map out strategies for the crucial elections.
The governor began by observing a minute of silence in honor of the late Secretary to the State Government, Temitayo Oluwatuyi, lauding his exemplary contributions to the state.
In his address, Aiyedatiwa emphasised the importance of consolidating the party’s achievements from the last governorship election.
“We have set a strong foundation as a party, and it is now up to us to build on it. This election is not just about winning but about proving that our party remains the leading voice of the people. I assure you of my unwavering support as we head to the polls, but I urge you to avoid overconfidence. Let us remain focused and strategic in our approach,” he said.
The governor further called on the candidates to demonstrate commitment and competence in their campaigns and subsequent governance, urging them to sustain the impactful leadership already in place.
“Show commitment to our party and to the people, our citizens are watching. They want leaders who will not only represent them well but also deliver on their promises. Prove your capacity and capability to make a difference at the grassroots level,” he added.
Aiyedatiwa also invited the candidates to a thanksgiving service slated for Sunday, January 12, 2025, describing the event as a spiritual gesture to seek divine guidance for the elections.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), Ade Adetimehin, congratulated the candidates on their nominations while underscoring the weight of the responsibilities before them.
“This is a defining moment for all of you. You carry the trust and hopes of the party and the people. Do not disappoint us. Be good ambassadors of the APC, and above all, do not betray the trust reposed in you,” Adetimehin stated.
He urged the candidates to intensify their grassroots campaigns, reinforcing the party’s commitment to good governance.
“Victory begins with the people. Engage them, listen to their concerns, and make them believe in our mission. I am confident that the APC will triumph in all the 203 wards because our track record speaks for itself,” he said.
Representing the candidates, Gbenga Fasua expressed gratitude to the governor and party leadership for their trust, pledging dedication to the party’s success.
“We are deeply honored by the trust you have placed in us. On behalf of my colleagues, I promise that we will not let you down. We will work tirelessly to justify your confidence and deliver results that will make our party proud,” Fasua said.
The event concluded with the symbolic presentation of the party’s flag to the candidates, a gesture marking their readiness to represent the APC in the forthcoming elections.
Signed
AKINBIOLA FUNMILAYO
HOC, FEDERAL INFORMATION CENTRE AKURE
