Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo says his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), will not underrate any candidate from other political parties in the state’s Nov. 16 governorship election.

Mr Aiyedatiwa stated this on Sunday at a gathering to celebrate his victory at the APC primaries, organised by a group, ‘Friends of Lucky’, in Akure.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, who said victory belonged to the people of Ondo state, appreciated the leaders of the party for their support, as well as the organisers of the event.

“Once again, I appreciate all my supporters. You all went a long way for me, initiated things, and spread the message for my support across the 18 local government areas of the state.

“However, it is not over yet. This is just the first phase. There’s still more land to conquer; there’s still a great battle ahead. The primary election was just an in-house contest and now we head to the main battle,” he said.

The chairman, organising committee of the event, Bukola Tenabe, said the event was to honour the governor on his resounding victory at the APC primary election held on April 20, and also to appreciate his supporters.

In his goodwill message, the deputy state chairman of the APC, Atili Adaba, congratulated the governor on his victory, describing it as well deserved.

He commended the organisers of the event for their efforts in making it a success.

The majority leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, who represented the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, stated that Mr Aiyedatiwa remained a product of grace.

He added that the house would continue to support the governor for the progress of the state.

Speaking on behalf of the state executive council, the commissioner for information, Adewale Akinlosotu, noted that the governor deserved to be celebrated.

Mr Akinlosotu added that APC was one big family, urging everyone to come together so that the party would be successful at the Nov.16 gubernatorial election.

Dr Abiola Oshodi, who spoke on behalf of APC Canada, also congratulated the governor on his victory, saying: “I am sure that the people of Ondo state will definitely vote for you come Nov. 16”.

A former speaker of the state’s assembly and chairman of SUBEB, Victor Olabimtan, said the governor was a product of mercy and that APC would record unprecedented success in the election.

(NAN)