Shettima to Ondo: Sun Will Shine Brighter in Sunshine State if You Elect Aiyedatiwa

*Says Tinubu backing gov to sustain APC’s commitment to people’s well-being

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has charged the people of Ondo State to elect Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, in Saturday’s governorship poll, assuring them that the duo would bring hope, prosperity, unity and ensure the sun continues to shine brighter in the Sunshine State.
The vice-president told the electorate in the state to ensure their votes collectively become their voice, conviction and message to those underestimating the strength and will of the state.
Shettima gave the charge yesterday while addressing the mammoth crowd that thronged the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure, for the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in the state capital ahead of the election.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa is not merely campaigning to hold onto a position – he is campaigning to bring hope, prosperity, and unity to every corner of Ondo State. I am confident he is the leader, who can turn these ambitions into realities.
“This election is more than a choice between two candidates. It is a choice between progress and stagnation, between unity and division. It is a chance to stand with a party that has consistently delivered and with a leader, who truly understands the heartbeat of Ondo.
“So, as you go to the polls, remember what we stand for. Remember what you deserve: a governor with the experience, the compassion, and the strength to keep pushing Ondo towards greatness. Let’s secure Ondo’s future together. Let’s vote APC, and let’s elect Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”
Extending President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill to the people of the state, the vice-president said the president who was fully in support of Aiyedatiwa was confident that the governor’s election will sustain the commitment of the governing APC to the people’s well-being.
“Today, I bring you the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu, who would have loved to be here today but is currently engaged in securing critical development and investment opportunities for our nation at a summit in Saudi Arabia.
“Yet, he is with us in spirit, and he has fully endorsed the Aiyedatiwa-Adelami ticket as the torchbearers of prosperity for Ondo State,” he stated.
Shettima urged the people of Ondo to look beyond what he described as “distractions and the noise from the usual suspects,” even as he told them to “look instead at the integrity and stability the APC has brought to this state.
“Look at the work we’ve done to strengthen our economy, even if the gains may not always be immediately visible. And consider the real, practical solutions the APC offers to make the sun shine brighter in Ondo State,” he added.
Elated by what he termed “the passion” in the faces of the teeming APC supporters in the state, the vice-president said he would have asked Aiyedatiwa to return home and wait for them to deliver their mandate to him, adding however that the moment of the campaign grand finale was necessary “to celebrate ahead of election day.”
Shettima further described Aiyedatiwa and his deputy as men of exceptional courage and leaders, who have been tested by challenges that would have deterred many, noting that the governor “has shown remarkable resilience in building a formidable force for the APC here in Ondo.
“From overcoming politically motivated attacks to uniting our great party, he has proven himself not just a survivor but a leader who stands strong for the good people of the Sunshine State,” he further noted.
Earlier, after asking the crowd which party they would vote for, and receiving a resounding cheers from the people, Aiyedatiwa, who urged the people to vote for APC, said, “The former governor of blessed memory, Rotimi Akeredolu, would be happy seeing all of you vote APC to win the election.”

Aiyedatiwa said the late governor once told him that he would succeed him, and would be glad to see this happen come Saturday.

He observed a minute silence in honour of Akeredolu, telling the crowd that while he was not out to engage in a long statement, the citizens could as well attest to the level of development happening in the state, even as he promised that by the time he returns, he would do his best.

National Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, vowed that “by the grace of God come Saturday the 16th of November, Governor Aiyedatiwa will win the gubernatorial election.”

He asked the people of Ondo to come out en masse and vote for Aiyedatiwa, adding that, “a vote for the governor is a vote for unity, a vote for peace and a vote for development.

At the end of his remarks, Ganduje invited  Shettima to hand over the party’s flag to the candidates of the party.

Before the rally, Shettima had paid homage to the Deji of Akure Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, in his palace, where he commended the royal father for preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom for many centuries.

Shettima said Akure stood proudly as a testament to the greatness that laid in heritage and unity, adding that the kingdom had long been inspiring the nation.

“This place of gathering and governance, preserved across centuries, serves as a pillar of cultural integrity and continuity. The enduring structure of this palace, a monument over 850 years old, is a reminder that Akure’s strength and grace remain constant through generations,” he stated.

Responding, the traditional ruler commended President Tinubu’s administration for his recent approval for the establishment of a teaching hospital in Akure.

“His Excellency, the Vice President, help me to convey my appreciation to the president. He just approved our teaching hospital. Akure is the only state capital that doesn’t have a teaching hospital. The president has just approved it last week. So, help me convey our gratitude to him sir,” the royal father said.

He also commended Aiyedatiwa for approving a five per cent monthly allocation for traditional rulers in the state, imploring the people of Akure to vote massively for the APC in next Saturday’s governorship election in the state.