Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has stated that there is no room for coalition in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that APC has all it takes to retain power.

According to the governor, Nigeria, under the watch of President Bola Tinubu, as well as the state under his leadership, is witnessing good governance; hence, his belief that the ruling party will triumph at the polls.

Aiyedatiwa stated this on Monday while receiving defectors under the platform of the Sunshine Grassroots Network from various political parties, including PDP, SDP, and ADC, at the Akure City Hall.

While describing the move of the defectors to join APC as a wise decision, the governor stated that the development will further propel the expected number of votes at the polls for the ruling party.

He said, “In Ondo State, there is no room for coalition; it is one APC. People join political parties for different reasons, but the interest of the party must always supersede every other interest, and for us in the APC, that interest is to retain power.

“The whole of Ondo State is for President Tinubu come 2027, and the decision of these defectors to join us today is a strong step towards that goal. Joining our party is an assurance that we will do greater numbers and further strengthen the APC ahead of the presidential election.”

Among the defectors is Dayo Awude, a former Commissioner and former State Vice Chairman of the PDP as well as the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the last governorship election in Ondo State.

While citing his alignment with the progressive ideals and developmental agenda of the current administration, Awude said, “I have joined the APC to add value, and I assure Mr. Governor that he will see it. I urge all our party faithful to return to their units and wards to fully integrate themselves. I am here for progress to support President Bola Tinubu and to support the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”

Another defector, Dele Ogunbameru, former Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), said he had faced numerous challenges in his former party but now feels at home in the APC. He added that he has joined the ruling party to contribute his wealth of experience and help move it forward.

On his part, Ondo State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, stated, “Any politician who cannot deliver his unit and ward is not a politician. I urge all our new members to work towards strengthening the party at the grassroots.

“Therefore, on behalf of the National Chairman of our party, I want to formally welcome you into APC, and I thereby hand you over to the Leader of our party in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.”