…Says opposition leaders lack unity, questions Atiku, Obi’s records
By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State to deliver at least 1.2 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, citing the state’s 2.1 million registered voters and what he described as the growing unity among party leaders.
Shettima made the call on Wednesday at the APC presidential campaign rally held at the Akure Township Stadium, where Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and other party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to securing victory for Tinubu and other APC candidates.
The Vice-President said the massive turnout at the rally and the presence of political leaders across the state indicated that the party had put its internal differences behind it in pursuit of a common electoral objective.
He noted that other states, including Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Jigawa, had demonstrated solidarity with the President and the APC, urging Ondo State to make a significant contribution to the party’s 2027 electoral campaign.
Shettima also highlighted what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration in its first three and a half years, challenging the opposition to present its own record of performance to Nigerians.
Taking a swipe at former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, he questioned his political standing in Adamawa State, alleging that even former governors of the state were not aligned with him.
He also criticised the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, claiming that his record in office did not provide sufficient grounds for the opposition to challenge Tinubu’s administration.
The Vice-President further accused opposition parties of concentrating their campaigns on social media platforms rather than engaging voters through physical rallies.
“With what I have seen here, it is clear that all other leaders have put their differences behind them in the interest of the state,” he said, adding that Ondo APC should target no fewer than 1.2 million votes for Tinubu in 2027.
Earlier, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed the commitment of the people of Ondo State to deliver one million votes for the President, while thanking Tinubu for what he described as progressive policies that had changed the fortunes of the country.
The governor said the state was prepared to reciprocate the Federal Government’s interventions and support through massive electoral backing for the APC.
The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, also urged the people to vote overwhelmingly for Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election.
Bamidele disclosed that the President had mandated him to inform party members that Governor Aiyedatiwa was the state coordinator of the presidential campaign, as was the practice in other states.
He urged all APC leaders and stakeholders in Ondo State to work with the governor to ensure the party’s success, adding that Tinubu expected all local government areas to join forces towards securing victory in the general elections.
Former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, said Tinubu had performed well and deserved another term, citing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), economic interventions, infrastructure development, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and youth-focused programmes as examples of the administration’s achievements.
Former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, urged APC supporters not to relent in their mobilisation efforts, assuring the President that political leaders in the state would work together to deliver victory for Tinubu and all the party’s candidates.
Similarly, APC chieftain Olusola Oke said the President had done well for Ondo State, adding that party leaders had resolved to work collectively for the success of the APC in the elections.
The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, challenged the people to demonstrate their support for Tinubu through their votes. He said the target of one million votes was achievable, considering the state’s more than two million registered voters.
The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, also urged Ondo people to reciprocate what he described as the President’s goodwill towards the state, noting that three indigenes of Ondo State serve in the Federal Executive Council: Professor Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior; and Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development.
He called on the people to make a significant contribution to Tinubu’s re-election bid.
A major highlight of the rally was the presentation of flags to APC candidates in Ondo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Akure Township Stadium was filled to capacity, with supporters from different political groups chanting solidarity songs in support of the President and other party leaders.
Musical performances were provided by popular Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1, and other artistes.
Among those who attended the rally were Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; former Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; and the three ministers from Ondo State, alongside APC leaders and supporters drawn from across the state.
