WorldStage Newsonline– Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has acknowledged and thanked all the All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants who threw their hats into the ring in what he called a family contest to be the flag-bearer, urging them to jettison their grievances and unite the party against the opposition on 16 November.
Aiyedatiwa was, early on Monday, declared winner of the highly contested primaries by the Usman Ododo-led seven-man committee .
In an acceptance address on Monday, Mr Aiyedatiwa said, “The internally orchestrated heavy politics within our party, APC, in search of our flag-bearer in the forthcoming gubernatorial election has come to a conclusion today with the emergence of a candidate as declared by the Governorship Primary Election Committee, under the chairmanship of Usman Ododo, the Governor of Kogi State.
“Let me at this time acknowledge and thank all the aspirants who threw their hats into the ring in the family contest to be the flag-bearer: Mayowa Akinfolarin, Olusola Oke, Jimoh Ibrahim, Wale Akinterinwa, Isaac D. Kekemeke, Gbenga Edema, Ohunyeye Olamide Felix, Olujimi Odimayo, Olusoji Ehinlanwo, Morayo Lebi, Diran Iyantan, Francis Faduyile, Ifeoluwa Oyedele, Funmilayo Waheed Adekojo and Funke Omogoroye.
“Your participation has created so much awareness within and outside our party. You mobilised our members and removed apathy. You have also brought in numerous new members to the party. All of these have enriched our democracy and strengthened our party in the state,” he added.
He noted that democracy sometimes, after a contest like this, comes with discordant tunes.
He counselled that this was not the time to hold grudges against anyone, but for everyone to come together to work for the success of the party so as to remain in power.
“We will all gain in this party, though at different times, if we keep faith. I salute your courage and keen interest in leading the state towards development. It is your right and you are qualified and worthy members of our party,” he said.
Mr Aiyedatiwa said he wholeheartedly accepted his election as the candidate of the party.
“Now, more than ever before, the greatness of Ondo State is what matters the most.
“I, therefore, request that we all join hands together in building the future that we all yearn for in Ondo State. There is infrastructure to be built, better healthcare services to be delivered; fair justice to be served; qualitative education to be ensured; civil servants to be trained and motivated; security of lives and properties to be strengthened; enabling environment to be created for businesses to thrive and attract investors.”
