A major contender in the last governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Chief Olusola Oke, SAN, has thrown his support behind Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for the upcoming November 16 governorship election.
During a gathering at his Akure residence on Thursday, Chief Oke announced to his political associates and followers that he is integrating his political structure into Governor Aiyedatiwa’s campaign. This decision marks a notable shift, given that Chief Oke had been a formidable candidate in the April 20 primary.
Chief Oke revealed that despite facing pressure to contest the primary’s outcome in court, he chose to prioritize party unity and its prospects in the gubernatorial election. He stated, “I am not an emergency politician. I have campaigned for governorship in this State four times and I have all it takes to be Governor. I did everything I needed to do in the primary but the rest is now history.”
He elaborated on his decision, emphasizing, “I had various options and my supporters were ready to follow any action I will take. But the peace, unity and development of this State is paramount to me. We must march forward in one accord into the coming election. Our strength lies in our unity. This is not the time to discriminate; this is the time to bring everyone on board for the good of our party. The Governor is my brother from Ilaje and I want Ilaje to produce the next Governor. Since it won’t be me, it should be him. We are going to win the election together.”
The State Chairman of the APC, Engr Ade Adetimehin, also spoke at the event, praising Oke and his supporters for their decisive move to back Governor Aiyedatiwa, and noting that this development has resolved any lingering party issues.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, in response, expressed gratitude to Chief Oke and his supporters for their endorsement, viewing the event as a positive omen for the APC’s success in the forthcoming election. Accompanied by his deputy, Chief Olayide Adelami, and other top officials, the Governor underscored the unity within the APC, despite previous rivalries.
He reassured the party members, “I bear no grudge against anybody. Nobody has offended me. All you did during the primary was to demonstrate your democratic freedom. There was no crime in it. It was a normal procedure. All members of the party, irrespective of who they supported during the primary, remain members of same family. Now that we have a flag-bearer, let us all work together for the victory of our party.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa lauded Chief Oke for his integrity and leadership, highlighting his loyalty to the APC’s collective interests. In a further show of support, one of Chief Oke’s associates, Chief Olabisi Johnson, donated his house in Ondo to serve as the campaign office for the party.
The meeting was well-attended, featuring notable figures such as former Deputy Governor Alhaji Ali Olanusi, ex-House of Representatives member Hon Afe Olowokere, former Commissioners Chief Olajide Ajana, SAN, Hon. Taye Akinyele, House of Assembly member Hon Chris Ayebusiwa, and the DG of the Olusola Oke Campaign, Chief Bailey Arohunmolase.
