Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has concluded his statewide Thank-You Tour across all 18 local government areas with a rousing reception in Akure South, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) recorded new defections from opposition parties.
The governor said the tour was an opportunity to appreciate voters for their support and to account for his administration’s performance since taking office.
At the Akure South event, several members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) formally defected to the APC.
Those who crossed over included Adekanmbi Oluwatuyi, a PDP member from Akure; Chief Falusi of the PDP from Akoko North-East; and Chief Kora Adebisi, an SDP member from Akoko North-West.
Others were Hon Yusuf Lateef, who joined alongside former 2016 local government officials, councillors, supervisors and advisers, as well as Ijanusi Olawale and his group from Akoko South-East.
Receiving the defectors, Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomed them into the APC and urged them to work for the party’s success ahead of the 2027 elections.
Unity warning as 2027 approaches
The governor cautioned party members against internal divisions as political activities begin to intensify.
He warned that infighting could weaken the APC, stressing that party supremacy would determine candidates for future elections.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the APC remained one and indivisible, urging members to prioritise collective interest over personal ambition.
Support for Tinubu’s second term
The governor also called on Ondo residents to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
He described the President as irreplaceable, saying continued support for the federal government would accelerate development across states.
Political analysts say the endorsement reflects early alignment within the ruling party ahead of national campaigns.
Akure South’s political weight
Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked residents of Akure South, noting that the local government produced the highest number of votes among the 18 councils in the November 16 governorship election.
He described the mandate given to him and his deputy as decisive to the APC’s victory in the state.
The governor said the support reinforced his administration’s responsibility to deliver tangible dividends of democracy to the state capital.
Party leaders speak
Earlier, the Ondo State APC Vice Chairman, Atili Ikoto Agabra, said the party had no room for what he described as “joiners or partners.”
He stressed that relevance within the APC would be determined by commitment, loyalty and contribution to party activities.
Mr Agabra urged new members to demonstrate dedication by working for the party at all levels.
Development projects praised
In his Vote of Thanks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for what he described as unprecedented infrastructural development in Akure.
He said road projects and urban renewal efforts were already changing the outlook of the state capital.
The APC Chairman in Akure South, Mr Fesobi Akinmolayan, also praised the governor for ongoing road construction and other development projects across the local government.
Urban development experts say sustained investment in Akure could improve mobility, attract businesses and raise property values.
Who was there
Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, and Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon Sunday Olajide.
Others were Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr Leye Akinola; Executive Director (Corporate Affairs), Niger Delta Development Commission, Hon Ifedayo Abegunde; and Akure South Local Government Chairman, Dr Donald Fasua, alongside party leaders and supporters.
What’s next
With the Thank-You Tour concluded, attention now shifts to project implementation, party consolidation and governance outcomes as Ondo State heads towards the next election cycle.
Residents say they will judge the administration not by speeches, but by the speed and quality of delivery on the ground.
