​Ondo APC Rally: Shettima, Aiyedatiwa Target 1.2 Million Votes for Tinubu’s Re-election

​AKURE — The All Progressives Congress (APC) brought political activities in Ondo State to a temporary standstill on Wednesday as top party stalwarts, led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, stormed the Akure Township Stadium for the presidential campaign rally ahead of the January 16, 2027 election.

​Addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters, Vice-President Shettima set an ambitious target of 1.2 million votes for Ondo State, charging party faithful to deliver a decisive electoral margin to secure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

​Shettima anchored the party’s confidence on what he termed a “universal elite consensus” backing President Tinubu within the state—a unity he contrasted sharply with opposition figures. He pointed to prominent political heavyweights in Ondo, including former Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and frontline Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Olusola Oke, as concrete proof of the ruling party’s expanding political consolidation.

​Taking a swipe at opposition candidates, Shettima criticized former Labour Party presidential flagbearer Peter Obi, dismissing his economic credentials and challenging opposition politicians to point to tangible developmental strides over the past 25 years of democratic rule.

​Solidifying Ground Support

​Echoing the Vice-President’s optimism, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa pledged that the state would deliver upwards of one million votes, recalling that Ondo recorded the highest percentage of votes nationwide for Tinubu during the 2023 polls.

​Aiyedatiwa reeled off the administration’s localized gains, pointing to federal appointments handed to three indigenes—including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Interior, and the Minister of Youth—as well as state-level milestones. These include the recruitment of over 6,000 workers, extensive road and bridge construction, and aggressive healthcare sector rehabilitation.

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​APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda described President Tinubu as the most competent and prepared among the 18 presidential candidates, noting that fiscal reforms had successfully restored financial autonomy to over 31 states previously unable to service basic salary obligations.

​Directives on Party Unity

​Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele delivered a specific mandate from the President, instructing all party stakeholders across the state’s three senatorial districts to close ranks. Bamidele stressed that President Tinubu had designated Governor Aiyedatiwa as the sole state coordinator for the campaign, while urging the governor to maintain an open-door policy to accommodate all tendencies and resolve past grievances.

​Other notable speakers at the event included APC Presidential Campaign Director-General and former Zamfara State Governor Abdulazeez Yari, Progressive Governors Forum Chairman Hope Uzodimma, and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, all of whom urged eligible residents to swiftly collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to cement the party’s victory at the polls.

​The high-profile rally drew an array of dignitaries, including federal ministers, National and State Assembly lawmakers, executive council members, and various youth and grassroots support groups.