Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has taken the lead in the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the forthcoming Ondo governorship election, vowing to deliver a resounding victory for the party. At the inauguration ceremony held in Akure, Sanwo-Olu declared that his campaign team aims to secure at least 80% of the total votes in the election scheduled for November 16. His strong commitment underscores the importance of unity among party members and leaders to ensure the success of APC’s candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as they rally support to enhance the party’s chances in the polls.
In a statement disseminated by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership for the trust placed in him. He assured them of a campaign that is rooted in professionalism and adherence to constitutional norms, steering clear of emotionally charged narratives. Instead of relying on sentiment, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of spotlighting Governor Aiyedatiwa’s achievements over the past 305 days in office, committing to a campaign strategy that highlights substantive issues rather than personal attacks or negative campaigning.
Sanwo-Olu articulated a clear vision for their campaign, reaffirming that it would be based on facts and achievements rather than sentiments. He noted that Aiyedatiwa’s performance has made it easier to advocate for him, and he vowed to lead a campaign that would not disappoint party members or the electorate. The emphasis on positivity and accountability reflects a strategy aimed at winning voter confidence by showcasing the incumbent governor’s contributions in a relatively short span of time, reinforcing the idea that competent governance leads to electoral support.
During the inauguration, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje echoed the sentiment of optimism about the party’s chances in the upcoming election. He called upon the newly formed 305-member council to immediately engage in strengthening connections with state and local campaign organizations to achieve victory. Ganduje emphasized the necessity of fostering an environment conducive to a free and fair election, expressing his belief that with great effort and collaboration, the party would come out on top. He also highlighted the importance of supporting Aiyedatiwa in ensuring continued good governance in Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa himself asserted that he deserves to be reelected based on the accomplishments he has achieved in less than a year. He pointed to various sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, youth development, job creation, and security where significant progress has been made. Aiyedatiwa characterized the upcoming election as not just a political contest but as pivotal for Ondo State and the broader political landscape in Nigeria. He expressed confidence that their hard work and community engagement, including door-to-door outreach, would resonate with the electorate.
In summary, the united front presented by Sanwo-Olu, Ganduje, and Aiyedatiwa reflects the APC’s strategic focus on demonstrating competence and fostering trust among voters ahead of the Ondo governorship election. Their commitment to a campaign centered on issues and accomplishments, alongside a call for collaboration among party members, showcases their determination to solidify APC’s position in the state. As the election date approaches, the emphasis on credible governance and peaceful conduct will likely play a crucial role in shaping the public perception and potential outcome of the electoral process.
