By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Governors and prominent political leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called for unity, political cooperation and sustained mobilisation among party members in Ondo State, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to consolidate its structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The leaders made the call on Wednesday at the APC presidential campaign rally held at the Akure Township Stadium, where they urged party members and supporters to work together to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, said the target of securing one million votes for Tinubu in Ondo State was achievable, considering the state’s 2.1 million registered voters.
Uzodimma urged party members to take the mobilisation campaign seriously, expressing confidence that a united APC would be able to translate its numerical strength into electoral support for the President.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who thanked Tinubu for what he described as the President’s progressive policies and interventions in Ondo State, pledged that the state chapter would work towards delivering one million votes for him in 2027.
The governor also called on party leaders and members to remain committed to the collective objective of the APC, stressing the importance of cooperation in achieving the party’s electoral ambition.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, highlighted some of the Federal Government’s programmes, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), economic stabilisation measures, infrastructure development and youth-oriented initiatives.
He urged the people to support the Tinubu administration, pointing to the programmes and projects as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address the country’s development challenges.
Former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, assured the gathering that political leaders in the state would put their differences aside and work together to deliver Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.
Mimiko’s position reinforced the recurring appeal for unity at the rally, with speakers emphasising that the party’s success would depend on the willingness of its leaders and members to work as a team.
Another APC chieftain and former governorship aspirant in Ondo State, Chief Olusola Oke, said Tinubu had done well for the state, adding that political leaders had agreed to cooperate towards achieving the party’s objective in the forthcoming elections.
APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, also canvassed support for Tinubu, drawing attention to the appointment of three ministers from Ondo State into the Federal Executive Council: Taiwo Oyedele, Minister for Finance; Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior; and Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development.
Yilwatda urged the people of the state to reciprocate the Federal Government’s representation of Ondo through their support for the President and the APC in 2027.
The rally was attended by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; and Ondo State Governor, Aiyedatiwa.
Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko; former Ekiti State Governor, Niyi Adebayo; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Chief Olusola Oke; and other national and state party leaders were also present.
Three ministers from Ondo State, Taiwo Oyedele, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Ayodele Olawande, attended alongside other political appointees, elected representatives and APC stakeholders.
The stadium was filled with party supporters and political groups from across the state, who displayed solidarity through songs, chants and banners.
Musical performances, including that of Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, added colour to the gathering.
The rally also featured the presentation of flags to APC candidates, as the party formally intensified its mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
