. Endorse Fadairo, Fynch for legislative seats.

Leaders and elders of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, at the weekend, declared their support for an indigene of the town to emerge as the next governor of the state after the tenure of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

With the party leaders in Akure reaffirming their loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and Aiyedatiwa, they stressed the need for equity, fairness and political inclusiveness.

According to the leaders, in a communiqué issued after a stakeholders’ meeting held under the able leadership of Prince Tony Ala, in Akure, the state capital, the community is ripe and deserves a shot at producing the next governor of the state.

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

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

The Akure APC leaders emphasised that the demand reflects the aspirations of the people of the Akure-speaking communities and aligns with the broader 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 Oluwafemi Fadairo (Fada) for the Akure North/Akure South Federal House of Representatives seat and former Director of Administration for the Senate; and Adeola Rosemary Fynch for the Ondo State House of Assembly, Akure South Constituency I.

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

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

Meanwhile, they applauded 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.

The leaders also credited the President 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 pledged to mobilise grassroots support with massive votes to ensure President Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general election.

The meeting also passed a vote of confidence in Aiyedatiwa, praising his leadership style, inclusive governance, and efforts at maintaining stability within the party.