Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday said he has won the ‘battle’ for the governorship election of the state after emerging as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, however, asked party members and chieftains not to give ‘room for complacency’ despite their confidence in winning the election.

The governor, who spoke during a stakeholders meeting held in Akure, the state capital, also told members of the party that the primary election held last month was a family affair.

He said, “Considering our current position, it appears we have already won the battle due to our hard work but there is no room for complacency. I encourage our party leaders to return to their respective local governments, put in even more effort, and unite everyone.’’.

Stressing the need for unity within the party, Mr Aiyedatiwa said that a cohesive and united front was essential to achieving a common goal in ensuring victory for him and the party.

The governor, who emphasised his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, affirmed that the current administration would ensure all party leaders and members were involved in every decision-making.

He urged members of the party to ensure unity and support one another and reaffirmed their collective responsibility in working towards victory for the APC.

He stated, “While we may have disagreements at times, it does not mean we are not part of the same party. Let us work together for our victory on November 16. Our party members need continuous encouragement, not just during election periods. Everything I have promised will come to fruition; they are not just mere words. In this administration, it is action over words.”

In his address, the state APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, said the political party has its constitution and rules that members must follow.

Mr Adetimehin noted that while the primary election had been concluded, it was also crucial for party members to unite as one family in preparation for the governorship election.

“The primary was merely an in-house affair, now is the time for unity. Together we are strong; divided we are weak. We must pool our strength. One person cannot achieve this alone, which is why unity is essential. We need to be sincere with one another, as that is the essence of politics,” he said.

At the meeting, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Adebunmi Osadahun, urged the governor to include more women in his administration, assuring him that the women of Ondo State were firmly behind him.

Peoples Gazette reports that the stakeholders were attended by leaders of the party from the 18 local council areas of the state, at the International Event Centre, The Dome, in Akure.