By Nudoiba Ojen
Hundreds of party leaders and supporters on Thursday thronged the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja as
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday formally submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms in Abuja ahead of the governorship primary of the party.
Aiyedatiwa 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, and members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Tayo Oluwatuyi and other party chieftains.
APC leaders also on the occasion included Senator Robbert Ajayi Boroffice, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Hon. Ade Adeogun, Hon. Bola Ilori, Chief Gbenga Ale and Rear Admiral Samuel Alade (rtd).
The governor submitted the forms to the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the party, Mr Chidi Duru Nze and the National Legal Adviser, Prof. A Kana, who commended the governor for his humility and respect for the party by personally submitting his forms at the secretariat.
Aiyedatiwa hinged his desire to continue as governor on 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 prioritize workers welfare, education, infrastructural development and agriculture, emphasizing the importance of ensuring food security and improving access to markets for farmers.
Although Aiyedatiwa expressed respect and admiration for the remaining APC aspirants, he asserted confidence in the overwhelming support he had garnered from the people of Ondo State.
