By Dayo Johnson Akure

Leaders and elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure South, Ondo State, have backed calls for an indigenous governor to succeed the state governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

At a stakeholders’ meeting, held under the leadership of Prince Tony Ala held in Akure over the weekend they emphasized the need for equity and fairness.

In a communique issued after the meeting they argued that Akure deserves a shot at producing the next governor.

The communique was signed by Prince Tony Ala alongside other party leaders, including Sunday Adejuyigbe, Ifedayo Ologometa, Hon. Dele Faboro, Hon. Idowu Otetubi, Hon. Femi Bello.

Others signatories include: Elder Micheal Olusanya Ojuola, Hon. Ifedayo Adewole, Hon Oluranti Fakinlede, Hon. Sunday Faleye, Hon. Muyiwa Adebayo (MAO), Hon. Enas Mohammed, Hon. Francis Belonwu, Hon. Rev. Abisola Oluwatayo and Mr Ayo Alabi among others.

The le stressed the need for equity, fairness and political inclusiveness, arguing that Akure, as the state capital, is ripe and deserves a shot at producing the next governor of the state.

According to them, “the demand reflects the aspirations of the people of Akure speaking communities and aligns with the broder goal of balanced representation across the state.

“The leaders resolved to strategically position a qualified indigene of Akure for the next governorship election of Ondo State after the tenure of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and to work collectively towards achieving victory,” they said in the communiqué.

In addition, the leaders endorsed Hon. Oluwafemi Fadairo (Fada) for the Akure North/Akure South Federal House of Representatives seat and Former Director of Administration to the Senate; and Hon. Adeola Rosemary Fynch for the Ondo State House of Assembly, Akure South Constituency I.

The endorsements of the aspirants, they noted, were based on the aspirants’ loyalty, grassroots connection and perceived capacity to effectively represent the people.

They however vehemently rejected the idea of automatic tickets for contestants, insisting that only ‘credible and widely acceptable aspirants’ should emerge to represent the APC, specially in the Akure region, in the forthcoming general elections.

Meanwhile, the APC leaders and elders, hailed President Tinubu’s leadership, describing his administration as visionary and reform-driven, adding that his policies were repositioning the country for economic recovery and sustainable growth.

They commended thePresident “for facilitating key development projects in Akure and its environs, including the upgrade of the State Specialists Hospital into the Federal University of Technology, Akure Teaching Hospital, road infrastructure projects, and the approval of an aviation college campus in Akure.

The stakeholders, therefore, pledged to mobilise grassroots support with massive votes to ensure President Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general election.

A vote of confidence was also passed on governor Aiyedatiwa.

The leaders praised his leadership style, inclusive governance, and efforts at maintaining stability within the party.

They specifically lauded the governor for the successful conduct of the APC congresses across ward, local government, and state levels, noting that the exercise helped to strengthen unity within the party.

Reiterating their support for the current administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa, the leaders commended ongoing efforts at governance in the state and at the federal level, pledging continued cooperation to ensure sustained development.

The leaders called on party members to remain united and committed to the party’s ideals, urging stakeholders to close ranks ahead of political contests in the state.

They expressed confidence that cohesion within the party would strengthen its chances in the forthcoming general election in the state.

The leaders, however, warned against actions capable of undermining unity within the party, stressing that they would not tolerate divisive activities or internal sabotage.

They reiterated their commitment to strengthening the party at the grassroots and maintaining cohesion among members.