Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Monday tasked leaders of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that the upcoming gubernatorial primaries were rancor-free and peaceful.
He also urged all aspirants to be peaceful in their conduct ahead of the primaries and gubernatorial elections.
Aiyedatiwa made the charge when he held an inaugural interactive session with party stakeholders from all 18 local government areas of the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Ondo gubernatorial primaries for April, while the gubernatorial election will hold on November 16 this year.
Mr. Aiyedatiwa’s term will end on February 25, 2025.
He called on the contending forces within the party to end all hostilities and unite to take the party and the State forward.
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“It is important for me to tell you that as leaders of our party we must put the events of the last few months behind us and come together as one big family for the progress of the APC and the development of our dear State,” he stated. saying.
“The events of the last few months” had to do with the fierce conflict with the party and the state cabinet occasioned by the absence and ill health of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Impeachment plots were hatched against Aiyedatiwa, then deputy governor.
However, Akeredolu’s death brought an end to the fighting as Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as substantive governor.
“For me, what happened in the past was just politics. It wasn’t a fight, it wasn’t a battle; It was mere politics and I can say that I was not offended at all. The most important thing is to continue being a big family.
“There is a need to strengthen our party and that necessitated the idea of this expanded stakeholder meeting to involve everyone. Our party leaders and members are critical stakeholders that we cannot afford to neglect,” he said.
The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu for his great interest in the peace and development of the State.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the APC, Ade Adetimehin, commended the Governor for the timely engagement of the party’s stakeholders and stressed that the party leaders must put the past behind them to foster unity ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Among those present at the meeting were members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji; members of the State Executive Council, headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Oladuni Odu; former deputy governors Ali Olanusi and Lasisi Oluboyo; former state president of the party, Sola Iji; former SSG, Domingo Abegunde; Member of the House of Representatives, Biola Makinde; Segun Ojo, Jamiu Ekungba and Jumoke Anifowoshe, among others.
Although Aiyedatiwa is constitutionally qualified to contest the governorship, he has yet to officially declare his intention.