Politics
Osun Election: Abduallahi, Tinubu, Lawan, others campaign for Oyetola
Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, the party’s Presidential candidate and the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, have urged people of Osun to re-elect Gov. Gboyega Oyetola, during Saturday’s governorship election.
Also, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, were among the APC governors present at the party’s mega rally on Tuesday at the Osogbo City Stadium to support Oyetola’s re-election.
In his remarks, Lawan commended Oyetola for his prudence and efficiency in managing the state’s meagre resources.
The Senate President called on the electorate to look beyond political sentiments in their choice of who to elect, urging them to vote massively for Oyetola.
“I bring solidarity from the National Assembly. We are believers of this party and its candidate, because Osun has witnessed serious and massive transformation in the last three and a half years.
“We have a governor who is prudent and efficient in the face of very meagre resources.
“Today, Osun has witnessed so much infrastructure development, political stability and peace.
“We believe that we have everything we need for development with this our governor,” he said.
Also, the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi, appealed to members of the party to come out en masse and vote for Oyetola.
He said that the victory recorded by the party in Ekiti governorship election must be repeated in the state.
“This is a mega rally to promote our candidate. We are taking no chances with the affairs of Osun, because the state deserves a leader like Oyetola in its quest for development.
“This is why we have come in full strength to support him in a bid to ensure his re-election.
“Those who have a fair mind will testify that he has done so much since he became the governor in 2018.
“We are here, not only to testify to what he has done, but to appeal to you to turn out in large numbers to vote for him.
“We are anticipating a better outcome than what we had in Ekiti and by the grace of God, we are sure of victory.
“I want you to be the APC ambassadors, telling those who are not here what you have seen.
“Continue to spread the good works of this government in the nooks and crannies of the state,” he said.
Commenting, Tinubu appealed to members of the party to vote massively for Oyetola to be re-elected.
He also urged them to be vigilant on the election day and safeguard their votes.
“On Saturday come out en masse and vote for APC and not any mushroom party; support our candidate, support APC and you will not in any way regret it.
“We have come to ask that you vote massively on Saturday for APC, not as a mark of entitlement, but because of the future of your children.
“Before you make your decision, think of the future. We are a party that guarantees your future, because we are known for fulfilling our promises.
“Let us entrust the affairs of our state into the hands of those who mean business, not mushroom parties,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Bagudu, the Chairman, the Nigeria Progressives Governors’ Forum, said that Oyetola has the backing of all APC governors in the coming election.
He lauded the tremendous and landmark developments, which Osun had recorded across sectors since Oyetola’s emergence in the state.
“We are pleased to be here today; we are proud to hear about the numerous progress that this administration in Osun has recorded.
“We are confident that the love and admiration of people of Osun are with you, because of your great achievements.
“Today, we are here for this grand rally and honoured to be here to throw our supports behind you.
“We did it about four years ago and you were elected based on what you can do.
“Now, we are here again to show solidarity based on what you have done.
“We are assuring the citizens of Osun that this gentleman governor will continue to do what is healthy for our democracy.
READ ALSO: Osun 2022: APC ‘ll win with wide margin – Oyetola
“He did not disappoint in the first term, he won’t disappoint in the second term,” he added.
Also, Sanwo-Olu, who is the APC National Campaign Council Chairman for the election, said Oyetola deserved to be re-elected based on his personal encounters with people of the state.
According to him, indeed, it is a huge honour that we stand here today, because this is a worthy assignment and we have a sellable candidate.
He said: “It is a job that is gratifying, because Oyetola has indeed performed excellently well.
“I have been on campaign trail with him and I have witnessed the overwhelming supports of the people for him.
“People of Osun, do not be deceived by those who are trying to say otherwise.
“Let us vote massively for Oyetola to continue doing his great works for every sector of the population. This is a man that is an embodiment of good governance.”
Oyetola, in his remarks, appreciated the party members for their support for his re-election.
He said his achievements in the areas of health, education, empowerment, prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pension, among others, would speak for his re-election.
Oyetola said Osun was on the path of consolidating on the gains of the last three and a half years.
He urged the people of Osun, especially workers, to shun political traducers, who were peddling falsehood that his administration would renege in its commitment to their welfare, if re-elected.
NAN reports that other APC stalwarts at the rally were the party National Secretary, Sen. Iyiola Omisore; Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo; his Ekiti counterpart, Kayode Fayemi; the party’s Vice Presidential Candidate, Kassim Shettima, among others.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has announced its decision to back Northern candidates in the 2027 general elections, citing the urgent need to address the worsening socio-economic and security challenges facing the region.
In a communique issued after its National Executive Council meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday, the forum expressed deep concern over the economic state of Northern Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, attributing the region’s struggles to flawed governance and poor policy decisions.
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The ACF criticized the Federal Government’s economic policies, describing them as detrimental to the livelihoods of Northern citizens.
According to the communique, signed by the forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the policies have compounded the already dire economic conditions in the region.
The statement reads, “Arewa people remain at a great disadvantage, being already worse off economically compared to other parts of Nigeria. While economic reforms are indeed desirable, they should not impoverish the same people they are meant to serve. Policies must have a human face.”
The forum noted that the North faces chronic food insecurity, limited educational and vocational opportunities for youth, and a heavy reliance on small-scale economic activities.
“Livelihoods are currently dependent on micro activities. The region faces acute and chronic food insecurity; its youths lack education and skills training. Daunting as these may be, they can be reversed. The time to think big is now,” the communique emphasized.
The ACF also addressed the pervasive insecurity in the North, warning that the situation has begun to erode public confidence in the government.
“Security is an irreducible minimum of human existence. In this regard, insecurity in its various manifestations remains the most worrisome challenge of Arewa people, that has even started to corrosively undermine the authority of government,” the forum stated.
It condemned the government’s response to the crisis, arguing that the Federal Government has failed to meet its primary duty of safeguarding lives and property.
“That those whose responsibility it is to provide security will be saying they are doing their best is unacceptable,” the communique said. “The minimum duty of government is to safeguard life and property, and doing anything less is a failure.”
The ACF faulted what it described as the “flawed leadership selection process” under the Tinubu administration, claiming it has elevated individuals without the requisite competence or experience to key positions.
It urged the Federal Government to “review, reassess, reevaluate, and re-order the direction of its economic policies with a view to giving it the needed human face.”
Looking ahead to the next general elections, the ACF pledged its support for Northern politicians who demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing the region’s challenges and fostering national development.
“Notwithstanding the parlous state of Arewa’s glaring economic conditions, the policies of the current Federal Government have continued to make matters much worse,” the communique stated.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has urged Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to prioritize completing ongoing projects and avoid leaving any abandoned during his second term in office.
Ganduje made the call on Wednesday at the APC’s national secretariat in Abuja after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented Certificates of Return to Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Adelami Olaide.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s re-election was marked by a sweeping victory in all 18 local government areas of the state during last Saturday’s governorship election.
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Ganduje praised the outcome, describing it as a testament to the people’s confidence in the APC-led administration.
“I am happy about the landslide result. The election is not the effort of the elite and middle class alone; it is also through the effort of the grassroots,” Ganduje said. “Out of 203 wards, APC won 202, losing only one ward. This is a victory embraced by all.”
Ganduje highlighted the importance of continuity and urged the governor to leverage his experience from the previous administration led by the late Rotimi Akeredolu.
“As a deputy, you knew how projects were started by your late governor. You were part of it, also as a governor for 10 months, and now as a re-elected governor. For the next four years, you will continue,” he said.
“You know the terrains, geography, and physical landscape of all 18 local government areas. Use these insights to carve out projects that will improve the lives of the Ondo people.”
Meanwhile, Ondo APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, commended Ganduje’s leadership and strategic direction, which he credited for the party’s success in the election.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support for Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy, despite internal opposition from some party stakeholders.
“We have finally killed PDP in Ondo,” Adetimehin declared. “Most of the leaders of that party have defected to the APC. With the landslide victory in this election, it is clear to the whole world that there is no PDP in Ondo.”
He further described Ganduje as a mentor whose leadership had been instrumental in uniting the party and ensuring victory at the polls.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who succeeded Akeredolu and completed his tenure before securing re-election, has pledged to focus on delivering on his mandate and completing critical projects in his second term.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally issued certificates of return to Ondo State Governor-elect Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, following their victory in Saturday’s governorship election.
The presentation ceremony took place on Wednesday at INEC headquarters in Abuja, where the commission’s National Commissioner for Ondo State, Kunle Ajayi, handed over the certificates.
Biztellers reports that Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent governor, emerged victorious in the election, securing 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 117,845 votes.
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The results were announced in Akure on Sunday by the Returning Officer, Professor Olayemi Akinyemi, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja.
Election observers described the polls as peaceful and credible, commending INEC for improved logistical arrangements.
The event was attended by top APC officials, including the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and other party members.
Ganduje hailed the outcome as a triumph for democracy in Nigeria.
“Since 1999, we have been enjoying democracy, and we always fine-tune it to ensure it is fair, free, and decent, so that it is the vote of the people that counts,” Ganduje said.
PDP Rejects Results
Despite widespread praise for the conduct of the election, the PDP has rejected the outcome, describing it as fraudulent. Its candidate, Ajayi, vowed to challenge the results in court.
Aiyedatiwa Pledges Better Leadership
Speaking after receiving his certificate of return, Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the people of Ondo State for renewing his mandate.
“The mandate you have just renewed via your huge votes across 18 LGAs where we won convincingly has placed a burden on me to serve you better than I did before now,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa initially assumed office in December 2023 following the death of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
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