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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Saturday’s governorship election, has declared Friday a work-free day in the state.
O.F. Ayodele, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Head of Service, issued a statement on Wednesday, confirming that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the governorship election for Saturday, November 16.
The work-free day will enable public servants to travel to their communities and fulfill their civic duties.
Ayodele urged all Accounting Officers to circulate the information within their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Meanwhile, ahead of Saturday’s election, the APC held a grand rally in Akure on Wednesday at the Democracy Park. The rally, which drew significant attention, was headlined by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima and attended by governors, ministers, lawmakers, and senior party officials.
Speaking to a large, enthusiastic crowd, Vice President Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the development of Ondo State under the Tinubu administration.
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He called on the people of Ondo to vote for continuity and progress, emphasizing that the state had two senior ministers in President Tinubu’s cabinet.
He also highlighted the recent approval by the President for the establishment of a teaching hospital at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), a decision he attributed to President Tinubu’s deep commitment to Ondo.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, after receiving the APC flag from National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, reflected on his journey and expressed gratitude for the support of his late predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
He assured the crowd that his administration was just beginning to address the state’s needs, stating, “You haven’t seen anything yet. With your support, we will achieve even greater things together.”
He urged the people to vote for APC for a stronger and more prosperous Ondo State. Aiyedatiwa also outlined his vision to boost economic growth, improve infrastructure and social services, ensure food security, and strengthen state security.
The rally featured strong support from APC leaders, including Isaac Kekemeke, National Vice Chairman for the South West, and Ade Adetimehin, the State Chairman, who urged the crowd to amplify the APC message in their communities.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stressed the APC’s determination to win all 18 local government areas in the state.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council for Ondo, addressed the crowd, urging supporters to maintain peace during the election and ensure APC’s victory.
APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to securing a decisive win and assured Governor Aiyedatiwa of full party support to capture all local government areas.
Earlier, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his appreciation to the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, for rallying support from fellow traditional rulers. He emphasized that their collective backing and a strong voter turnout were crucial for his success.
The Vice President’s visit to the Deji’s Palace, Aiyedatiwa noted, was a gesture of gratitude for the traditional rulers’ endorsement and encouragement to the people to vote in his favor.
Other APC governors in attendance included Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Hope Uzodima of Imo, and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara. Key figures such as Minister of Youth Development Ayo Olawande, Minister of Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, Secretary of the National Campaign Council Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, and former Deputy Governor Philip Shuaibu also participated in the rally.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim led other APC governorship aspirants, and several National Assembly members from Ondo State were present, with Speaker Olamide Oladiji leading all APC members, showcasing the party’s unity ahead of the election.
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