AKURE – Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has firmly backed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid for 2027, describing the Nigerian leader as “irreplaceable” during a political rally that saw key opposition figures defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The declaration was made on Tuesday in Akure, the state capital, as Governor Aiyedatiwa concluded his “thank-you tour” of all 18 local government areas. The event, held in Akure South, served as both a show of gratitude for electoral support and a strategic mobilisation for the upcoming general elections.
Strengthening the APC Base with Strategic Defections
The governor used the platform to receive and integrate new members from opposition parties, significantly bolstering the APC’s structure in Ondo State. Notable defectors included:
· Adekanmbi Oluwatuyi, the immediate past Akure Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
· Chief Falusi, a PDP chieftain from Akoko North-East.
· Chief Kora Adebisi, a leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) from Akoko North-West.
· Hon. Yusuf Lateef, who defected alongside a group of former local government officials from 2016.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the new members to demonstrate loyalty through active participation and work diligently for the party’s success in future elections. “Your decision to join our party is a wise one. We welcome you and urge you to integrate fully and work for our collective victory,” he stated.
A Call for Party Unity and Supremacy
Amidst the celebratory defections, Governor Aiyedatiwa issued a strong caution against internal discord within the APC ranks. He warned that infighting would only weaken the party as political activities for the 2027 elections intensify.
“The strength of our party lies in our unity. We must avoid internal rancour,” the governor emphasised. “Party supremacy will determine who flies our flag in future elections. The APC remains one and indivisible.”
This message was reinforced by the state APC Vice Chairman, Atili Ikoto Agabra, who declared that the party had “no room for ‘joiners or partners,'” stressing that relevance within the APC would be determined strictly by members’ contributions and commitment.
Closing a Successful Political Tour
The Akure South event marked the completion of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s extensive tour, which was launched to thank voters for their support in the November 16, 2024, governorship election. He particularly acknowledged Akure South for delivering the highest number of votes among all local governments, describing the support as “decisive” to the APC’s victory.
The governor was accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, several commissioners, and local government chairmen.
The event solidifies Governor Aiyedatiwa’s position as a key mobiliser in the South-West and signals a coordinated early start to the APC’s campaign machinery for the 2027 presidential election, with Tinubu’s re-election bid at its centre.
