Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is strategically positioned to secure a decisive victory in the upcoming governorship election on November 16, 2024. His remarks came during the formal inauguration of the Ondo State chapter of The Mandate Movement (TMM) in Akure on Sunday.
Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted the significant role of the Mandate Movement in promoting progressive politics across southwestern Nigeria. He stated, “TMM is one of the strongest political movements in Nigeria. When the chairman was speaking, I reflected on how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has elevated the progressive platform, becoming not only a leader of the Yoruba nation but also an African leader of repute.”
The governor emphasized his expectation of securing nothing less than 80% of the votes in the upcoming election, expressing confidence that the involvement and cooperation of the Mandate Movement would help achieve this goal.
Cardinal James Odunbaku, the national chairman of TMM, performed the official inauguration and outlined the group’s mandate to produce governors under the APC banner across the southwestern states. He expressed optimism about the growing strength of the progressive movement in Ondo, Lagos, Ogun, and Ekiti states, stating, “I want to say, without any doubt, that Osun and Oyo states will soon join us, because the entire southwest must be progressive as it has always been.”
Odunbaku reiterated that the goal for Ondo state is to deliver overwhelming votes for the APC to continue reaping the benefits of democracy. In his address, Ondo State APC chairman Engr. Ade Adetimehin, represented by Aro Bernard, thanked the national chairman for enhancing the Mandate Movement’s capacity to achieve optimal results.
Furthermore, the Ondo State chairman of TMM, Omofunmilewa Adejombo, assured the national chairman of effective coordination within the Ondo chapter to lead the APC to victory in November.