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'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - In preparation for the upcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has constituted a robust National Campaign Council to steer the party’s efforts toward securing victory in the state. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been named as the Chairman of the council, leading a broad-based team comprised of top political figures from across the country.
The announcement, which was made by the APC National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, underscores the party's commitment to ensuring electoral success in the crucial November 2024 gubernatorial race. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s appointment as Chairman signals the importance of the Ondo election for the ruling party, as his leadership experience in Lagos is expected to guide the campaign’s strategies and activities.
The Ondo State National Gubernatorial Campaign Council features a blend of influential leaders, former and sitting governors, senators, and technocrats, aimed at pooling their collective political experience. Other key members include Nasir Idris, the Governor of Kebbi State, serving as Deputy Chairman 1, and Hope Uzodinma, the Governor of Imo State, who will serve as Deputy Chairman 2. The Secretary of the council is Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, a former Deputy Senate President, who will be responsible for overseeing the organizational logistics of the campaign.
The inclusion of high-profile figures such as the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum reflects the party’s resolve to consolidate its grip on the region.
The team also includes notable former officials such as Chief Olusola Oke (SAN), Senator Stella Oduah, Senator Uche Ekwunife, and General Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd), all of whom will play pivotal roles in various campaign operations.
This formation comes on the heels of the APC’s electoral triumphs in recent years, with the council set to focus on ensuring continuity in governance in Ondo State. The council will spearhead efforts to promote the party’s achievements in the state and galvanize grassroots support for its candidate, who is expected to emerge as a frontrunner in the highly anticipated race.
As the election approaches, political observers are keen to see how the APC's strategy unfolds under the leadership of Sanwo-Olu and his team, particularly in a state that has traditionally been a battleground between major political parties. The council’s members represent a significant political force, with their collective experience expected to shape the trajectory of the campaign.
The inauguration of the Ondo State National Gubernatorial Campaign Council is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the International Event Centre (The Dome), in Akure, Ondo State. The event is expected to draw the attention of political stakeholders and members of the public, marking the official commencement of the APC's campaign activities in the state.
As the campaign machinery gets into gear, the APC will be hoping to leverage its national influence and the strong leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu to secure victory in Ondo State for the incumbent Lucky Aiyedatiwa who is serving out the second term of his late boss, Late Rotimi Akeredolu, maintaining its dominance in the South-West region of Nigeria.
