APC Leader Ganduje Breaks Silence Amid Allegations Tinubu, FG Influenced Outcome of Ondo Election
- APC national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has affirmed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s victory in the recently held Ondo state governorship election was achieved without interference from the presidency or any external forces
- Legit.ng recalls that the poll took place on Saturday, November 16, with Aiyedatiwa winning with a margin of over 200,000 votes
- On Wednesday, November 20, Ganduje received a delegation of the party leadership at the national secretariat in Abuja shortly after INEC presented Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Adelami Olaide, with their certificates of return
Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering elections in Nigeria.
Akure, Ondo state— Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has rejected allegations in some quarters that President Bola Tinubu influenced the outcome of the Ondo 2024 governorship election, which returned the party’s candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
As reported by The Punch, Ganduje spoke on Wednesday, November 20, when he received Aiyedatiwa at the APC national secretariat. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier presented certificates of return to Aiyedatiwa and the deputy governor-elect, Olayide Adelami.
Ganduje explained that the people of Ondo state voted en masse for the governor across the 18 local government areas (LGAs).
According to Ganduje, Aiyedatiwa’s victory would not have been possible without the eventual unity of purpose and harmonious relationship among all the party chieftains in the state and the grassroots.
The APC helmsman stated that the party's victory in 202 out of 203 wards is a testament to its acceptability in Ondo state.
He said:
“There was no subterranean support from any quarters. No external influence from the government, the presidency or any other external forces. The election is not the efforts of the elite alone. It is not the efforts of the middle class alone, it is the efforts of also the grassroots alone.
Ondo 2024: Aiyedatiwa pens emotional tribute to Akeredolu after election victory, shares biggest wish
APC chieftain lauds Ondo election credibility
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the APC, Opeyemi Adesokan, lauded the 'credibility' of the election in the 18 local government areas of Ondo state.
Adesokan made the commendation while speaking with Legit.ng.
He said:
"The results fell within the estimated ranges. My advice to governorship contestants, political parties, and voters is that they should have confidence that the election reflects the ballots cast at polling units."
Ganduje mentions 2 states APC is targeting
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Ganduje said the ruling party would try its best to capture all southwest states.
The former governor of Kano state disclosed that his party would try to win Osun state in 2026, and Oyo in 2027.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng