The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, has said the party is mapping a strategy to win Osun and Oyo States in the next governorship elections.
Also, the Southwest Vice Chairman of the party, Hon Dueremini Isaacs Kekemeke said both Oyo and Osun states were making him uncomfortable and must be won in the next round of elections in the states.
Speaking in Akure, the Ondo State, during a reconciliation meeting among aspirants of the APC that participated in the April 25 governorship primary election, Ganduje said the party cannot afford to allow the state to fall into the hand of the opposition in the November 16 governorship election.
Ganduje and governors elected on the platform of the party held a strategic meeting in Akure ahead of the November 16 governorship election and positioned the party ahead of future elections.
Present at the meeting were Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State represented by Secretary to State Government (SSG), Talabi Olatokunbo.
Others included National Secretary of APC, Ajibola Bashiru; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Zonal Leader of APC in the Southwest, Hon Dueremini Isaacs Kekemeke; and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji.
Ganduje said the next election is key to the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection and everything must be deployed to win the election.
His words, “The two other states, I will not reveal our secret, but we assure you, we are strategizing. Everything must be 100 percent behind President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We have made every arrangement at the national level to have a successful election. We are here to give you hope, encourage you, and that this election is a task that must be done. We are encouraged by this large crowd of stakeholders.
“This shows that there is unity, solidarity, and vigor in the party. Those who contested the primary are not losers because there is no victor and vanquish in the exercise.
“We are expecting 90 percent total votes in the forthcoming governorship election. Visit house to house, neighbor to neighbor, and ensure that you go round and mobilize people to come out to vote.”
Similarly, Lagos State Governor and Chairman of Southwest Governors Forum said the success of the election is key to making sure the state remains in the progressive fold and the memory of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
His words “Regardless of our differences, everybody must come together. We need everybody to get on the bus. The entire party formation has come to unite this family. We are here to tell you that none of you will be left behind.
“Nobody will be taken for granted. You are critical to the delivery of the forthcoming governorship election. The gathering is to embrace all of us. It is for all of us to agree. We are here to support, encourage, and appease you. I am happy with the turnout. Let me thank Chief Oke, Isaac Kekemeke, Wale Akinterinwa, and others.”
Oyebanji said November 16 is a defining moment for the Southwest geo-political zone. His words “This election would be the first election to be conducted under the leadership of President Tinubu, the first election after the demise of Arakunrin Akeredolu. So, we must preserve what he had worked and labored for. Do this for the President, do this for history, and do this for prosperity.”
Oyebanji said the APC leaders must make sure the achievements of Akeredolu are not reversed since this would be the first election after Tinubu emerged as president. He said the second position is not an option and must do everything to emerge victorious.
The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele said all the contestants must unite to win the governorship election. He said the APC cannot afford to lose the election.
While noting that the Southwest is the only zone that has three state off-season elections, Bamidele informed that the president is involved in the forthcoming election.
His words, “The election is very important to us. The reconciliation will continue after the election. Unfortunately for PDP, they don’t have anybody to be their candidate except our person. This reconciliation will continue after the election and he will come back.”
The APC Chairman, Engr Ade Adetimehin, said the opposition PDP has been decapitated as former chairmen, speakers, and Deputy Governors, with the exemption of one, are in the APC. He promised to deliver 85 percent for the party in the election.
A former finance commissioner and gubernatorial aspirant, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa dismissed rumors of his defection from the APC.
His words: “I have heard speculations that I left the party; those are false. I am fully committed to APC and to supporting Governor Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy. What matters now is securing a prosperous future for Ondo State.”
Former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, expressed joy at the unity displayed at the meeting, adding that it shows the party is seriously working towards victory.
Odu said: “I am proud to be part of this gathering. Whatever happened in the past is behind us because the party is supreme. Now, we must focus on the future,” she remarked.
Responding to the expressions of support, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the party leaders and stakeholders for their show of love, unity, and commitment.
“I am grateful for the show of solidarity from every corner of our party. Our administration has laid the groundwork for sustainable development, and we cannot afford to let that progress slip away. This election is about moving Ondo forward, and with your unwavering support, we will achieve that.
“We are working to improve infrastructure, enhance security, and create more opportunities for every citizen. With our united front, I do not doubt that we will deliver a resounding victory come November 16,” he added.
