“In no time upon
assumption of office we emplaced transformational policies and programmes which
have no doubt impacted positively on the development of the Sunshine state.
“We cannot but continue to give accolades to our deceased
leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, under whose tutelage and joint
partnership we have been able to accomplish these giant strides.
“Distinguished citizens and party faithfuls, I must re-echo
what our late leader had always wished for in his life time. It was his wish
that I succeed him, not in death though, as the next governor of the state.
“He was a courageous
and visionary leader who had no time for pretense and so he expressed this wish
at different fora in both public and private.
“All was with one conviction and implicit confidence in me
to carry on the torch of accelerated development which he lighted first in 2017
and later renewed under a joint ticket for both of us in the 2021 gubernatorial
election.”
Aiyedatiwa said since his assumption of office, the
government has prioritised the welfare of the people.
“Today, I have come before you in response to the popular
yearnings and aspirations of our people to sustain this path of progress and
development in the state,” he said.
“Our people and party
faithfuls, through multi-dimensional platforms, have expressed their desire for
the continuity of this administration beyond 2025.
“To the glory of God, I parade very rich political
credentials and vast experience in governance.
“Without being immodest, the trajectory of my experiences in
governance as former representative of Ondo state on the board of NDDC,
one-time deputy governor, and three times acting governor under our late sage
and now the incumbent governor of Ondo state are is too material to be wished
away!
“The poser therefore is whether or not to respect the
people’s yearnings for sustainable good governance they have enjoyed in the
last seven years.
“The people of Ondo
state must not suddenly find themselves in Egypt. Never! Today, I stand before
you in all humility and with a fierce commitment to the greatness of our
Sunshine state.
“I offer myself, in difference to your popular yearnings and
upon wide consultations, not just to run the race, but to be the candidate of
our great party, ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS in the 2024 gubernatorial election.
“I am fully prepared
for this opportunity to re-enact the legacies of visionary, purposeful,
competent leadership bequeathed to us by our founding fathers to build the
future of Ondo state.”
‘REJECT THOSE WHO
SEEK TO GOVERN WITH MUSCLE’
Aiyedatiwa called on the people of the state to vote for him
during the primary election billed to hold in April, and to reject “those who
seek to buy our conscience with money”.
“My dear people of Ondo State, the gubernatorial primary
election is at hand. Your vote is a potent weapon that must be wisely used,” he
said.
“Today, I offer
myself to lead, not to rule, to respect your wishes, not to dominate you, and
to lead by example of humility, good character and empathy, which I have
demonstrated in office since 2021.
“I remain the epitome of OMOLUABI that you have always
trusted. I urge you to VOTE me as the candidate of our great party.”
In January, Wale Akinterinwa, a former commissioner of
finance in the state, had said Akeredolu anointed him as his successor before
his death.
Akinterinwa said Akeredolu did this after he returned from
his medical trip to Germany in 2023.
