National President of All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has confirmed that the victory of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa in the Ondo State gubernatorial election was achieved without interference from the President or any outside forces.
Ganduje made the statement while welcoming Ayedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) handed them certificates of return.
The APC Chairman in Ondo State also declared that the party's landslide victory in the state marks the political decline of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Expressing his joy, Ganduje highlighted that the party’s victory in 202 out of the 203 wards reflected its overwhelming acceptance by the people of Ondo State.
“This should be an issue that is embraced by all. You have the support of the voters in the state. We would like to congratulate you on this wonderful victory. I know Ondo people are progressive, that is why they will cooperate with you,” he said while honoring Ayedatiwa and his Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami and party chieftains of Ondo State.
Ganduje said Ayedatiwa's victory would not have been possible without unity of purpose and harmonious relations among party chieftains in the state.
The Chairman, who then expressed hope that the party would continue its winning streak after the end of Ayedatiwa's tenure in office, advised the Governor to build on the achievements of his predecessor, the late Rotimi Akeredolu.
He also directed Ayyadhatiwa to ensure equitable spread of developmental projects and avoid falling into the trap of abandoning projects in the state.
Expressing gratitude to the party leadership and voters in the state for his victory in the elections, Governor Ayedatiwa assured the people of his state that his victory has burdened them with service.
Linking the victory recorded by the APC in Ondo and Edo states to Ganduje’s track record of mobilization and strategic planning as an eminent politician in the country, the governor said the party is poised to win Osun State.
He said: “I can't help but appreciate being here and the platform that has given me the opportunity to take part in the race. Stop here to thank you. It is not a matter of you not presenting your certificate of return to be dishonorable, but waiting for the return of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is dishonorable.
“The people of Ondo State knew who they wanted and they voted for integrity, continuity and good leadership, which we represent with Mr. President’s new hope agenda.
“That's when we achieved a feat that had never been achieved before. We won every local government in the state. With the election, Ondo people said clearly and loudly that they have voted for APC represented by me.
“We have served in the last 10 months and people have seen the way forward. The promises we made and the huge votes that people gave us have put the burden on us to do more than what we have done in the last 10 months. After our termination, APC will again take over from us to ensure that the name of our party remains intact.
Earlier, APC State Chairman Engr. Ade Adetimhin said the result of the November 16 governorship election in the state has finally put the nail on the coffin of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
“We have done as you instructed. The delivery is so big that we broke the record in the state. Since the commencement of democratic elections in Ondo State, no gubernatorial candidate has ever won in all the 18 local government areas of the state.
“This shows that our party is loved by the people of the state. Our state is a progressive state. Our people love our national leader, President Bola Tinubu and we believe in the leadership of our Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimason Ayyadativa.”
The President then assured the national leadership, “I want to assure you that we will not let you down. We will strengthen the party and make it the biggest in the state because we have finally killed PDP in Ondo State.
“Ahead of the elections, a large section of the PDP leadership defected to the APC. The election results have shown the whole world that there is no PDP in Ondo State
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