Few hours to the governorship poll in Ondo State, three gubernatorial candidates, Dr. Ajibola Falaye; Hon. Jenyo Ataunko and Olaide Ibrahim of the Accord Party, the National Rescue Movement and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) respectively have stepped down for the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ayedatiwa, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan has confirmed this in a statement on Thursday in Akure, Ondo state capital, said the endorsement came when the three candidates paid a solidarity visit to the Governor.

Speaking on behalf of the candidate, Dr. Falaye hinged their decision to back the Governor on his commitment to public service, track record and outstanding performance in office.

He said: “We have been watching him, and his doors are always open to all,” Falaye stated, commending the governor for his inclusive approach to governance and for prioritising the welfare of residents.”

He pointed to the governor’s record on security, stating, “The state has been experiencing relative peace under his watch, which reflects his commitment to safeguarding the lives of our people.”

The Accord Party candidate also noted the shared values of progressive politics and goals that NRM, ADC, and Accord find in alignment with the Aiyedatiwa’s administration.

“We see the infrastructural development that has taken place even within this short period. It is clear that the governor is actively working for the people. This Saturday, we will turn our commitment into votes. We will vote for continuity in Ondo State.”

In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed deep gratitude for the endorsement, calling it a quality decision made out of goodwill by the candidates and their parties.

“I didn’t call for this, but I am grateful that my colleagues in the race have voluntarily identified with my mandate and are ready to mobilise their supporters to vote for the APC,” the Governor said.

Aiyedatiwa warmly welcomed the candidates’ decision to unite behind him, describing it as an act of statesmanship.

Acknowledging the short time remaining before election, the Governor said: “There’s no time left. I appeal to you all to encourage your members to come out in full force on Saturday and cast their votes for the APC”

Benue Governor Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia and the Director General of the campaign, Hon Abiola Makinde, among others, joined Governor Aiyedatiwa to receive the three candidates.

Siminalyi Fubara, the River state Governor has cried out over the forth coming local government election that he regretted that his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), will not be taking part in the October 5 Local Government Election in the state.

He stated this on Thursday at a meeting with some stakeholders of the party at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt.

Gov. Fubara said the election has to be held on Saturday to comply with the three months of grace given by the Federal Government to begin the implementation of the Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy.

Rivers State joins the long list of states conducting LG polls across the country.

“You know this election, I am the greatest loser because my party is not participating. It is the truth!” Fubara said.

“Go, do what the law says you should do, as demanded by the RSIEC Law, and leave the rest. RSIEC will take it from there, and when RSIEC finishes its part, the State Government will also take it from that point and finish its part, and the process will all be consummated by the special grace of God in a few days.

“But because of the Supreme Court ruling that there must be elected officials to manage the affairs of local governments, as a governor, I have to obey that.

“And a good number of you here are my party faithful and you are not even benefiting from it, and you are here supporting us. So, what is the problem?

“So, I want to thank you for supporting democracy. I want to thank you for ensuring that there is a rule of law. I want to thank you for sticking your neck out to make sure that Rivers State still stands among the comity of states.”

Fubara insisted that the election will have only those residents in the state who are registered voters participating.

The governor also appealed to residents of the state to return to their various LGAs, follow the process, be law-abiding, and eschew violence.

OLU JAMES RAPHEAL

There has been a high tension in Edo state and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asuerinme Ighodalo and his counterpart in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo, are leading in their strongholds.

From some of the results, the PDP is maintaining its lead in Edo South. The party is also maintaining its lead in Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Edo North Senatorial District as well as a good performance in Owan West and Esatko West Local Government Areas.

Generally, the APC is maintaining a comfortable lead in Etsako East and Owan East Local Government Areas of Edo North.

In Edo Central Senatorial District, both the APC and the PDP are holding strong.

In all, the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Barr. Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, loose in his polling unit.