Ondo APC targets unprecedented electoral victory as party unveils mobilisation plans
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has set its sights on securing an unprecedented victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, declaring its readiness to outperform its electoral record in the 2023 presidential poll.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima is expected to lead a delegation of APC governors, ministers, National Assembly members, national party officials and other prominent political figures to Akure on Wednesday for the party’s presidential campaign rally.
The Director-General of the Ondo State APC 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, announced the development on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Akure.
He assured the party’s national leadership that Ondo State was fully prepared to host a successful rally and demonstrate its commitment to President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The campaign rally will take place at the Akure Township Stadium by 9:00 a.m., with participation expected from APC members, political leaders, elected officials and supporters across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Olabimtan recalled the party’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, when Ondo State recorded the highest winning margin percentage nationally, describing the achievement as a foundation for an even stronger electoral outing in 2027.
He, however, maintained that the party was not satisfied with its previous success and was working towards setting a new electoral record.
According to him, achieving this objective requires a united party structure, purposeful leadership, effective coordination, discipline and consistent engagement with the electorate.
He therefore appealed to party members and stakeholders to prioritise the collective interest of the APC above personal considerations, ambitions and disagreements.
Providing an update on preparations for the rally, the campaign council director-general disclosed that mobilisation activities had been intensified across the 18 local government areas under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
He explained that elected representatives, political appointees, ward and local government coordinators, youth and women leaders, as well as other party stakeholders, had been actively involved in the mobilisation exercise to ensure a massive turnout.
Olabimtan expressed confidence that the commitment of party members would translate into an impressive gathering and demonstrate the organisational strength of the APC in Ondo State.
He described the rally as an opportunity for residents to publicly reaffirm their support for President Tinubu, endorse his leadership and identify with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
Speaking on the impact of the administration’s policies, he acknowledged that some economic reforms had imposed temporary financial pressures on citizens.
He nevertheless argued that the reforms were necessary to address longstanding economic challenges, improve public finances, reposition the economy and create a more favourable environment for investment.
On Ondo State’s representation at the federal level, Olabimtan described the appointment of three substantive ministers from the state into the Federal Executive Council as a remarkable development.
The ministers are Professor Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior; and Comrade Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, Minister of Youth Development.
He noted that their appointments had enhanced Ondo State’s participation in national decision-making and increased its opportunities to benefit from federal policies, programmes and development initiatives.
Turning to infrastructure, Olabimtan highlighted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the major projects expected to transform economic activities in the state’s coastal communities.
He explained that the highway’s route through Ondo State would enhance transportation links, facilitate trade and investment, and promote tourism, agriculture and other economic opportunities.
He also welcomed the renewed interest in the proposed Olokola Deep Seaport, expressing optimism that the project’s eventual completion would unlock the economic potential of the state’s coastal areas, attract investors and generate employment.
Other federal infrastructure projects highlighted by him included the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of the Ore-Ondo-Akure Road, as well as the dualisation of the Ilesha-Akure-Owo-Benin Road.
According to him, the projects would improve road connectivity, ease the transportation of passengers and goods, and support commercial activities across Ondo State and neighbouring areas.
In the education and healthcare sectors, Olabimtan identified the approval and commencement of the FUTA Teaching Hospital as another important federal intervention.
He said the facility would strengthen healthcare delivery, expand access to quality medical services and provide opportunities for medical education, research and professional training.
The project, he added, would also stimulate employment and encourage investment in healthcare-related services.
He further described the proposed Aviation College as an important initiative that could broaden access to specialised technical training, professional skills development and educational opportunities when established.
Olabimtan also acknowledged federal programmes covering student financing, social investment and other strategic sectors, noting that such interventions were creating opportunities for Nigerians, particularly young people, to contribute to national development.
He emphasised the need for continued cooperation between the Ondo State Government and the Federal Government to sustain progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, job creation and economic growth.
The APC chieftain also praised Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his efforts to strengthen the party through inclusive leadership, grassroots participation and improved internal coordination.
He explained that regular ward meetings, community engagements and planned local government and senatorial meetings were deliberate efforts to strengthen party structures and maintain unity among members.
Reaffirming his commitment as campaign council director-general, Olabimtan said he would continue to work with the governor and other stakeholders to achieve the party’s electoral objectives.
He described the APC’s approach as one built around a common identity, consistent messaging and coordinated campaign activities, summarising it as: “One party, one message, one campaign mobilisation.”
He urged members to put aside internal disagreements and personal interests, stressing that the party’s success would depend on loyalty, cooperation, discipline and a collective commitment to its objectives.
He also encouraged party leaders and members to strengthen their grassroots structures, maintain regular contact with voters and communicate the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration accurately and convincingly.
According to him, Wednesday’s rally represents the beginning of a broader mobilisation campaign rather than the end of the council’s activities.
He stressed that following the rally, party members would be expected to return to their respective wards, local governments and communities to sustain voter engagement and consolidate the party’s grassroots structures.
Restating the campaign council’s target, Olabimtan declared that the APC was determined to secure Ondo State for President Tinubu and all its candidates in the 2027 general elections.
He called on residents, party members, supporters and well-wishers to attend the rally, particularly encouraging the participation of youths, women, professionals, artisans, traders, market associations, community leaders and other interest groups.
He said the gathering would provide an avenue for residents to participate in political engagement, express their support and demonstrate their commitment to the future of Ondo State and Nigeria.
Olabimtan also appealed to attendees to maintain peace, obey the law and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the event.
He noted that the party’s strength should be demonstrated not only through the number of people in attendance but also through its organisation, discipline and respect for democratic principles.
Assuring the Vice-President and other national party leaders of the state government’s and party’s preparedness, he said adequate arrangements had been concluded to ensure a peaceful, successful and memorable event.
He added that the rally would further reinforce Ondo State’s political alignment with the Federal Government and its commitment to the APC’s vision.
Olabimtan maintained that the party would sustain its mobilisation efforts after the rally, with the ultimate goal of converting its growing political activities into improved electoral results in 2027.
He expressed confidence that the state would welcome the Vice-President and other national dignitaries with a strong display of unity, effective organisation and support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He concluded by expressing confidence that Wednesday’s event would set a new standard for political campaign rallies in Ondo State.
