The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has expressed the party’s determination to secure all Southwest states, starting with the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.
Ganduje made this statement during a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, Ondo’s capital, where he outlined the APC’s strategy for future elections in the region.
The Southwest consists of six states: Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ogun, and Ekiti. Currently, the APC governs all except Osun and Oyo, which are controlled by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). While the APC holds power in Ondo, it faces a tough battle against the PDP in the upcoming election. But the APC hopes that a decisive victory in Ondo will set the stage for capturing all Southwest states, solidifying its dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Addressing the gathering, Ganduje emphasised the importance of uniting APC members across the Southwest to ensure electoral success. He stated that the party’s strategy for winning Oyo and Osun would remain confidential, but insisted that the entire region must rally behind President Bola Tinubu.
“In this geopolitical zone, we must deliver 100% in favour of the APC. Ondo must lead the way, and we will capture Oyo and Osun,” Ganduje said.
He expressed confidence in Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s chances of re-election, announcing that Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu would lead the party’s National Campaign Council for the Ondo election.
“We are expecting 90% of the votes in this election. Visit every house and ensure people come out to vote,” Ganduje urged.
He also encouraged party aspirants who lost in the APC primary to unite behind Aiyedatiwa, reminding them that “there is no victor, no vanquished.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu echoed Ganduje’s message of unity, stressing that the APC could not afford to lose Ondo to opposition parties. He urged party members to set aside their differences for the sake of the party’s success.
Also speaking, Ekiti state Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji described the upcoming Ondo State governorship election as a pivotal moment for the Southwest region.
He urged the people to unite in delivering victory for the APC, stressing that they must preserve the legacy of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu by ensuring the party retains the governorship.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele highlighted the significance of the stakeholders’ meeting, stating that it came at a crucial time when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu needed stronger support from the Southwest.
Several aspirants from the April 25 APC primary, including Chief Olusola Oke, Wale Akinterinwa, and Oladunni Odu, expressed their commitment to the party. They assured that past disputes were behind them and promised to mobilise support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in their respective local government areas, with the goal of securing 90% of the votes for the APC.
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