Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the people of Ondo State to support Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, in the upcoming governorship election.
Shettima assured that re-electing the APC candidates would bring hope, unity, and economic progress, enabling the “sun to shine brighter” in the Sunshine State.
Addressing a large crowd at the MKO Abiola Democracy Park in Akure, Shettima urged Ondo residents to make their voices heard through their votes.
He emphasized the significance of the election, framing it as a choice between progress and stagnation, unity and division.
His words: “Governor Aiyedatiwa is not merely campaigning to hold onto a position—he is campaigning to bring hope, prosperity, and unity to every corner of Ondo State. I am confident he is the leader who can turn these ambitions into realities.”
Shettima conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of Aiyedatiwa, sharing Tinubu’s belief that re-electing Aiyedatiwa would ensure the APC’s continued commitment to the well-being of Ondo residents. He explained Tinubu’s absence from the rally due to international engagements in Saudi Arabia but relayed his full support.
“Today, I bring you the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu, who would have loved to be here today but is currently engaged in securing critical development and investment opportunities for our nation at a summit in Saudi Arabia. Yet, he is with us in spirit, and he has fully endorsed the Aiyedatiwa-Adelami ticket as the torchbearers of prosperity for Ondo State,” he stated.
The Vice President urged residents to ignore “distractions and the noise from the usual suspects” and focus on the progress APC has brought to the state, encouraging them to choose stability and continuity.
Highly energized by the support shown, Shettima expressed confidence that Ondo voters would deliver a resounding victory to Aiyedatiwa, describing the governor as a resilient leader who has overcome challenges for the good of the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, addressing supporters, emphasized his commitment to further development. He led the crowd in a moment of silence in honor of the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and recalled Akeredolu’s confidence in his leadership.
The APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, urged Ondo residents to vote en masse for Aiyedatiwa, framing it as a vote for unity, peace, and progress. Ganduje then handed the APC flag to Aiyedatiwa, symbolizing the party’s full endorsement.
Earlier, Shettima visited the Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, acknowledging Akure’s cultural legacy and expressing appreciation for the traditional ruler’s support. The Deji, in response, thanked the federal government for approving a teaching hospital in Akure, noting it as a vital development for the state capital.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for approving a five per cent monthly allocation for traditional rulers in the state, imploring the people of Akure to vote massively for the APC in next Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
