All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has expressed confidence in the party’s dominance in the Southwest, particularly in the upcoming November 16 off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State. Ganduje made this declaration during a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, accompanied by prominent party members, including Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Dapo Abiodun’s representative (Ogun).
Ganduje emphasized the party’s strategic efforts to expand its influence ahead of the 2027 general election. “In this geopolitical zone, we must deliver 100 percent in favour of APC. Therefore, Ondo State, you must be at the forefront; the two other states – Oyo and Osun – we will capture them, but I will not reveal our secret. We are strategising.”
He urged party leaders to unify and ensure member solidarity, stressing the importance of supporting President Bola Tinubu. “Everything must be 100 per cent behind President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Ganduje described the Ondo governorship election as a “walkover” for the APC, with national leaders backing incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. “We have made arrangements at the national level to have a successful election, and I announce Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Chairman National Campaign Council.”
He set an ambitious target of 90% votes, emphasizing door-to-door campaigns. “You have to visit house to house, neighbour to neighbour, and ensure that people come out to vote.”
Ganduje also appealed to aspirants who contested the governorship ticket with Aiyedatiwa to rally behind the governor. “Let me remind those who contested the primary election with Aiyedatiwa that they are not losers because there is no victor, no vanquish in the exercise.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu echoed the importance of unity, stating, “The party becomes stronger when the people come together in unity.” He emphasized the need to set aside differences and support Aiyedatiwa. “The entire party formation has come to Ondo to appreciate you. You may have gone through turbulent times and feel aggrieved, but it is more important that we come together again as one.”
Sanwo-Olu stressed the significance of unity across the 18 local government areas. “This message of unity must go around… Mr. President is fully aware of what we are doing here, and he has given his consent to this.”
He concluded, “When we come together, we are even bigger than whatever force that wants to come within. We need everybody in that train, in respect of our difference. It is the reason why we need to work together as one.”
