Shettima says Ondo key to Tinubu’s victory, sets 1.2m-vote target
By Boye Oyeyemi
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has challenged Ondo State to deliver 1.2 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the January 16, 2027, presidential election, describing the state as crucial to the president’s re-election bid.
Shettima made the call on Wednesday at the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rally held at the Akure Township Stadium, where he expressed confidence in Tinubu’s growing political support in the state.
The vice-president cited the backing of former Ondo governor Olusegun Mimiko, APC chieftain Olusola Oke and House of Representatives member Gboyega Adefarati as evidence of the president’s political strength in the state. He challenged opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to demonstrate similar support in their respective states.
Shettima said Ondo had about 2.1 million registered voters, with approximately 1.8 million having collected their Permanent Voter Cards, adding that the APC was counting on the state to deliver a decisive victory for Tinubu. He also criticised Obi’s economic record as governor of Anambra State, describing it as mediocre.
In his remarks, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa pledged that Ondo would deliver at least one million votes for Tinubu, expressing confidence that the president’s achievements and ongoing reforms would secure his re-election. He highlighted his administration’s recruitment of more than 6,000 workers and investments in roads, healthcare and youth empowerment.
Aiyedatiwa also said the Tinubu administration had demonstrated its commitment to Ondo through political appointments and policies. Meanwhile, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described Tinubu as the most experienced and competent among the presidential contenders, while the campaign Director-General, Abdulazeez Yari, urged party leaders to intensify mobilisation efforts.
Similarly, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma, urged eligible residents to obtain their PVCs and called on party members to put aside their differences. Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole also canvassed support for Tinubu, citing the administration’s investments in infrastructure and economic reforms.
Former governor Mimiko and APC chieftain Oke pledged to work towards delivering the promised votes, while Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele disclosed that Tinubu had directed party leaders to recognise Aiyedatiwa as the sole coordinator of the presidential campaign in Ondo and work together to achieve the target.
