National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Less than 48 hours to the governorship election in Ondo State, three gubernatorial candidates have announced their decision to step down and endorse the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The candidates who have withdrawn from the race include Dr. Ajibola Falaye of the Accord Party, Hon. Jenyo Ataunko of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), and Olaide Ibrahim of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The announcement was confirmed on Thursday in a statement by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, following a solidarity visit by the three candidates to the governor in Akure, the state capital.
Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Dr. Ajibola Falaye explained that their decision to support Governor Aiyedatiwa stemmed from his exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and significant achievements while in office.
Falaye praised Aiyedatiwa for his inclusive approach to governance, which has seen him prioritize the welfare of residents and keep his doors open to all.
“We have been observing the governor’s work and his approach to leadership, and we believe he has delivered on his promises.
The state has enjoyed relative peace under his watch, and his focus on security has improved the lives of our people,” Falaye stated.
He also highlighted the governor’s infrastructural strides, noting the rapid development witnessed in the state in a short time.
Falaye emphasized that the three parties — NRM, ADC, and Accord — share similar progressive values with Aiyedatiwa’s administration, which led to their decision to back his re-election bid.
“We are confident that Aiyedatiwa is the right choice for the people of Ondo State. On Saturday, we will rally our supporters to vote for continuity in governance,” Falaye added.
In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his sincere gratitude to the three candidates for their endorsements, describing the decision as a noble and statesmanlike act.
He acknowledged that he did not request the support, but was thankful that his opponents had voluntarily chosen to align with his campaign.
“I did not seek this endorsement, but I am deeply grateful for the goodwill shown by my fellow candidates. This is a sign of true leadership, and I welcome their support,” Governor Aiyedatiwa said.
He urged the candidates and their supporters to mobilize for the election, stressing the importance of a strong turnout at the polls.
“The time is short, but I call on all our supporters to come out in full force on Saturday and vote for the APC,” Aiyedatiwa concluded.
The endorsement was warmly received by other key figures in Aiyedatiwa’s camp, including Benue State Governor Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia and the Director-General of the Aiyedatiwa Campaign, Hon. Abiola Makinde, who joined the governor in receiving the three candidates.
With the election just days away, this latest development is expected to give Aiyedatiwa’s campaign a significant boost as he seeks a second term in office.
