By Adedotun Ajayi

Ondo State Governor and APC Governorship aspirant, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Sunday continued his tour across the 18 local government areas to engage with APC stakeholders and other members in preparation for the upcoming gubernatorial primary scheduled for Saturday.

The Governor has continued to receive warm welcome from enthusiastic party leaders and supporters in all the local governments visited since the campaign began.

The campaign train of the governor moved to Idanre and Akure North Local Government areas where the governor was given a rousing welcome by the people.

In the two local government areas, party leaders and other stakeholders assured the governor of their total support, saying Aiyedatiwa remains their choice.

While in Idanre, the Governor visited the traditional ruler of the land, Owa of Idanre, Oba Fredrick Aroloye, where he appreciated the monarch for endorsing him and promised not to disappoint royal fathers in the state.

Thereafter, the Governor went to address the eagerly waiting crowd of party faithful, appreciating them for their sustained solidarity, with a pledge to sustain the good governance he has started.

He particularly reassured them of his resolve to develop the state.

The governor said “since assumption of office, you all have witnessed the significant transformations under our administration, from infrastructure to agriculture and food security to employment of youths and security of lives and property just to mention a few.

“I pledge to sustain this momentum and deliver further progress. All I ask from you is the opportunity to continue. To make this possible, I urge you to cast your votes in my favour during the primary election this  Saturday.

“I implore our party members to turn out with their membership cards and support me with their votes. The overwhelming presence of this crowd today fills me with joy, indicating your sincere support and trust in me. I deeply appreciate this love, and I assure you, I will not take it for granted”, he stressed.

Addressing the crowd of party leaders and members who gathered at Iju, the Governor thanked them for their overwhelming support which will translate to victory at the primary. He expressed his gratitude for their endorsement, assuring them that he would not let them down.

The Governor commended the unity of purpose among leaders of the party in the local government, adding that it has made Akure North one of his major strongholds ahead of the primary.

He said: “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed party leaders and commend the dedication of all our party members.

“Your steadfast support and efforts in mobilizing our party members behind my candidacy are greatly appreciated. I am truly humbled by the confidence you have reposed in me.

“Previously, I believed your support was primarily evident on social media. However, I now realize it extends beyond just the youth demographic, as our elders are also standing in my favour. I deeply appreciate the love, commitment, and loyalty you have shown towards my mission to continue serving as the governor of Ondo State. I am confident that your support is a result of the remarkable progress we have achieved during my time in office.

Earlier, the Governor had paid a visit to the Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu, Oba Idowu Faborode, and was also received by other traditional rulers in Akure North, where the governor received royal blessings.

Those on the entourage of the Governor included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, former Deputy Senate Leader, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Ambassador Olusola Iji,  Chairman of the campaign, Victor Olabimtan, among several other party leaders.