The Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed satisfaction over the turnouts of party members who turned out to participate in the choice of their preferred aspirant in the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
In the primary, held on Saturday, across the 203 wards and 18 local government areas of the state, no fewer than 16 aspirants participated in the exercise.
They include Aiyedatiwa, Chief Olusola Oke, SAN, Wale Akinterinwa, Diran Iyantan, Dayo Faduyile, Gbenga Edema, Jimi Odimayo and Jimoh Ibrahim.
Others are, Olamide Ohunyeye (retd), Diran Iyantan, Ife Oyedele, Soji Ehinlawo, Funmilayo Waheed-Adekojo, Morayo Lebi and Funke Omogoroye.
Speaking after being counted in the voting exercise Ugbo Ward 4, Obenla, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state, Aiyedatiwa, described the party primary as a crucial step in determining the APC’s flagbearer for the forthcoming governorship election.
The governor said he was confident in the democratic process and reiterated his commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and fairness in the party’s selection of candidates.
“With the reports I got from other local governments, the primary has been peaceful and I am impressed with the turnout of our people for the exercise here at home and other places. It was a successful one.
“This marks a special homecoming for me, as I express my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow constituents, esteemed party members, and the vibrant community of Ugbo Ward 4 in Ilaje Local Government. Today, in the very land of my birth, I stand to exercise my right to vote and to vie for the honour of representing our party as its gubernatorial flag bearer in the November gubernatorial election”
“The tremendous turnout we witness here today is no surprise to me, for this is where my journey began. It is here, amidst the familiar streets and faces, where I took my first steps and received my primary education.
“The joy of reconnecting with my roots is further heightened by the presence of two of my childhood classmates, a delightful reunion that fills me with immense happiness,” he stated.