Reps declare support for Aiyedatiwa

Barely three months to the governorship election in Ondo State, eight out of nine members of the House of Representatives from the state have declared their support for the state governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Strategic Communications, Mr Allen Sowore, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the eight APC members of the House of Representatives are, Mr Timehin Adelegbe ( Owo/Ose Federal Constituency), Derin Adesida, ( Akure North /Akure South Federal Constituency), Abiola Makinde ( Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency), Jimi Odimayo ( Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency), Donald Ojogo ( Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency), Gboyega Adefarati ( Akoko South-West/Akoko South-East Federal Constituency), Ife Ehindero ( Akoko North-West/ Akoko North-East Federal Constituency) and Festus Adefiranye (Ile-Oluji-Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency).

The statement said that the federal lawmakers, under the auspices of the Ondo State APC Caucus in the House of Representatives, vowed to work tirelessly to ensure the party’s success in the forthcoming governorship election.

The statement read, “On Monday, August 5, 2024, members of the pledged their full support for Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. The eight caucus members have resolved to put the issues of the last primary election behind them and unite behind the governor to ensure victory in the governorship election.

“During a courtesy visit to the governor at the Presidential Lodge of the Government House in Akure, the state capital, four members of the caucus were present, but the other four who were absent sent their words of support and assurance to the governor.”

The leader of the group, Mr Timehin Adelegbe, said the visit was intended to dispel any doubts about the National Assembly members’ support for the governor in the upcoming election. He noted that the APC caucus members had resolved to mobilize grassroots support and votes for Governor Aiyedatiwa to ensure a landslide victory.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the APC in the state, Mr Ade Adetimehin, commended the House of Representatives members for their prompt and respectful declaration of support for the governor in the upcoming election, saying the development would further promote unity and strengthen the party in the state ahead of the November governorship election.

In response, Aiyedatiwa thanked the lawmakers for their visit and support, saying it was a testament to their loyalty to the APC.

“Even though I have emerged as the party’s flagbearer, remember that the ballot will bear the APC name, not just mine. This is the APC’s election, and we must work collectively to achieve victory. You are the leaders and representatives of our people, and your support is invaluable. With all of you on our side, we are assured that the victory of our party is secured,” Aiyedatiwa lauded.

According Online reports that the APC lawmakers in the House of Representatives, loyal to the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, have called on President Bola Tinubu to caution Governor Aiyedatiwa, over alleged disrespect for the late governor.

In an open letter addressed to the President and signed by six lawmakers comprising Adesida Abiodun (Akure North/South), Timehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose), Festus Ayodele (Ileoluji- Okeigbo/Odigbo), Ojogo Kimikanboh(Ilaje/ Ese- Odo), Odimayo John (Okitipupa/Irele) and Adegboyega Adefarati (Akoko South West/ South East) Federal Constituencies, the lawmakers warned of dire consequences for the APC if Governor Aiyedatiwa does not retrace his steps.

The leader of the caucus, Adesida, called on Tinubu to wade into the matter and save the face of the ruling party, particularly ahead of the governorship election coming up on November 16.