Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, has expressed optimism that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), will retain power in the state, but said he will not underrate other candidates participating in the November 16 governorship election in the state.
Aiyedatiwa who stated this at a gathering to celebrate his victory at the APC candidate, organised by a group, ‘Friends of Lucky’, in Akure, said the party will go into the party as one united family.
The governor who said the victory belongs to the people of Ondo State, said there was no victor and no vanquished from the governorship primary, appreciating the leaders of the party for their support, as well as the organizers of the event.
He said: “Once again, I appreciate all my supporters. You all went a long way for me, initiated things, spreading the message of O’datiwa, O’dirorun across the 18 local government areas of the State.
“However, it is not over yet. This is just the first phase. There’s still more land to conquer; there’s still a great battle ahead. The primary election was just a in-house contest and now we head to the main battle.”
The organiser of the victory party, a renowned entrepreneur, Folasade Olafisoye, said the ceremony was out together to solicit support for Aiyedatiwa and not disparage the efforts of other contestants, who contested for ticket with him.
Olafisoye, the Chief Executive Officer of Shady’s Boutique, said the Governor’s victory belongs to the people of the state, appreciating the leaders of the party for their support during the contest.
The Coordinator, Friends of Lucky’ also commended the governor for his contributions towards the development of the state, which has been yielding positive results.
She said, “It is with immense pleasure that I stand before you today to extend a warm welcome to this momentous gathering, convened to celebrate and honour our esteemed leader, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on his resounding victory in the April 20 primary election of our esteemed party, the APC.
“This event, made possible by the generosity and foresight of a few dedicated individuals, serves as a testament to our collective joy and gratitude towards Governor Aiyedatiwa, whose victory was freely bestowed upon him by the overwhelming majority of our esteemed party members.
“It is important to emphasize that this celebration is not intended to disparage the efforts of other contestants who participated in the primary election.
“Rather, it is an opportunity to extend our congratulations and admiration to all participants, especially those who have gracefully accepted the decision of our party and the will of the people.
“Furthermore, today’s gathering affords us the opportunity to reflect on and express gratitude for the divine guidance and benevolence that has been bestowed upon Governor Aiyedatiwa.
“As the Scriptures remind us, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one and setteth up another” (Psalms 75:6-7). Let us therefore marvel at the providence of the Almighty in our lives.
“Central to the essence of this event is the celebration and appreciation of our collective efforts – the hard work, dedication, and unwavering loyalty that have contributed to the success of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s vision.
“It is fitting that those who toil in the vineyard are the first to partake of its fruits. It’s on this note that we implore our amiable governor, HE Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to make bold moves in meeting political aspirations of our teaming party members to deepen governance at grassroots level.
“As we look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that await us, we have no doubt that H.E. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa will continue to lead with courage, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to the values that unite us.”
She added: “I will like to thank, most especially, Engineer Folajimi Akinnola and the people that came together to organize this epoch event with their personal resources to honour our Governor and unite all party members for the greater tasks ahead leading to the general election. It will definitely mark another milestone in the annals of our dear State.”
Corroborating the words of Olafisoye, the Deputy Coordinator, Bankole Betiku, hailed Aiyedatiwa for emerging victorious, maintaining that the event was organized to celebrate the victory and appreciate supporters.
Buttressing his points while speaking on the sidelines of the event, the Secretary of the group, Hon. Onidare Sunday Bukunmi (OSB), urged other aspirants to leave behind them the outcome of the exercise and forge ahead for the November 16 governorship election.
