—- Vows to win Akure North/South house seat

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Hon. Oluwafemi Fadairo, an APC aspirant for the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency, has denied reports of a fallout with Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, saying he remains one of the governor’s loyal associates.

Fadairo, a former Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement to Aiyedatiwa and ex-Director of Administration of the Senate, spoke in Akure while meeting with APC ward chairmen and stakeholders ahead of Monday’s direct primary.

He said his decision to run came after sustained calls from constituents who believe he has the experience and grassroots reach to deliver effective representation in the House of Representatives.

“I have been screened and cleared by the APC screening committee on Friday, so the road is clear for my aspiration,” Fadairo said. “The party has adopted direct primaries for this election, and we are fully prepared.”

Dismissing rumours of tension, he stressed that there was no disagreement between him and the governor.

“I have a cordial relationship with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. I am not fighting him, and there is absolutely no friction between us,” he said.

“This is a contest, and we cannot destroy what our people have built over the years because of politics.”

Fadairo recalled serving as director-general for Aiyedatiwa’s primary campaign in Akure, adding, “What I did for him then is what I am doing for myself now. It is a win-win for him in Akure North and South, and now it’s my turn, and I will win.”

He also rejected claims that he was pressuring the governor despite an alleged consensus arrangement, describing the reports as the work of detractors trying to create division. Fadairo said he recently met with the governor in Abuja, and their discussion was cordial.

On his chances, he said he has spent over a year building structures across the constituency’s 23 wards and actively participating in party congresses.

“Direct primary is about party members openly casting their votes, and I believe strongly in the strength of my grassroots support,” he said.

He dismissed speculation that the incumbent might get an automatic ticket, saying no such directive had come from the party secretariat.

Fadairo insisted his support base cuts across both local government areas, noting he has “a mammoth crowd in Akure North, in fact more than in Akure South”.

“This is my fourth time contesting, and I am no longer a baby in this race,” he said.

“I have experience in National Assembly affairs, and I am ready to drive impact for this federal constituency. It is my turn to represent Akure North and South.”

He urged supporters to remain peaceful before, during, and after the primary, saying politics should unite, not divide the constituency.