Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed strong confidence that the party will “capture” the South-West region by securing victory in the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State, scheduled for November 16.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, where he was accompanied by members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, Ganduje emphasized the party’s determination to bring all six states in the region under the progressive banner.
He pledged to work towards overtaking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in both Oyo and Osun States to bolster President Bola Tinubu’s support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ganduje urged stakeholders to unite behind the APC’s candidate and the current governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while keeping the party’s winning strategy under wraps.
“In this geopolitical zone, we must achieve a 100 percent victory for the APC. Ondo State must lead the charge in capturing Oyo and Osun, but I won’t disclose our secrets,” he stated.
“We are strategizing, ensuring that everything aligns 100 percent with President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision. In this election, we stand firmly behind Governor Aiyedatiwa. Arrangements have been made at the national level to guarantee a successful election, and I’m pleased to announce that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will chair the National Campaign Council.”
Ganduje described the upcoming election as a critical task and expressed optimism about the large turnout of stakeholders, indicating a sense of unity and determination within the party.
“We aim for 90 percent of the votes in this governorship election. It’s essential to engage in door-to-door campaigns, reaching out to neighbors to ensure voter turnout,” he added.
He also encouraged party aspirants who ran for the governorship ticket against Aiyedatiwa to put aside their differences and support the governor in the upcoming election.
“Those who contested the primary with Aiyedatiwa should remember that there are no losers, as there is no victor or vanquished in this process,” he remarked.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the chairman of the campaign council and governor of Lagos State, reiterated the importance of not losing Ondo to opposition parties and called for reconciliation among all factions within the party to support Mr. Aiyedatiwa.
“Our entire party leadership has come to Ondo to show appreciation. While you may have faced challenges and feel aggrieved, it’s crucial that we unite once more,” he stated.
“No one should feel left out, as everyone is vital for our success in the upcoming election. This gathering is about embracing each other and reaching a consensus. This message of unity must resonate across all 18 local government areas of the state. The President is fully aware of our efforts here and has given his support.
“When we come together, we are stronger than any opposing force. We need everyone on board, regardless of differences, which is why it’s essential to collaborate as one team.”
