Some socio-political groups which were in support of the re-election of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, on Tuesday, contributed and presented a cheque of N22.5 million to the governor to obtain the expression of interest and nomination forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the October 10, 2020 gubernatorial election in the state.
Mr. Victor Olabimtan, a former speaker of the state House of Assembly, while speaking on behalf of all the groups, represented by their chairmen and secretaries, explained that they decided to contribute money towards the re-election of the governor owing to his performance in office.
Olabimtan disclosed that as at the time of the event which held at Akeredolu Campaign Office along Ilesha Road, Akure, the state chapter, the groups numbering about twenty had contributed a total sum of N35 million to support the execution of the governor’s re-election campaign.
According to Olabimtan, “These groups met and appreciated the governor for his performance in office. They contributed money to support the execution of the second term ambition.”
“Collectively I want to tell you sir(Akeredolu), we have contributed N35million. We are presenting to you today N22.5million for the purchase of the expression of interest form and the nomination form.”
“We are doing this because we want you to continue. We are saying come and run.”
“We pray that you will win the election. We shall all gather here after October 10 to celebrate your victory here.”
The cheque was jointly presented to the governor on behalf of the groups by Lucky Ayedatiwa, Alex Ajipe, Princess Oladunni Odu and the wife of the governor, Betty, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Women Affairs.
Expressing his appreciation to the groups for the gesture and their support, Governor Akeredolu described the cost of the forms as too expensive, which he said he could not afford.
He said when the prices for the forms were fixed, he told his friends and supporters that he didn’t have that kind of money.
The governor seized the opportunity to reel out some of his achievements in the last three years.
He, therefore, urged the people to go and inform the people in their various wards about the achievements of his administration.
Speaking about the outcry on the mode of primary to be adopted by his party, APC, the governor said: “No one knows the mode of primary the NWC will bring. Whichever mode, we are going to monitor the primary and upload results instantly. We are not afraid of any type of primary.”
The groups include: Ibi Giga Ambassadors, Ibigiga Aketi Advocacy Group, Sunshine Vanguard Group, Students Group, RTEAN, Pentagon Movement Group (PMG), Aketi Mandate Group, Aketi Women Group, Aketi Vision 2020, Democratic Pathfinders, Eka Merin Youth Alliance, Aketi One 2 One, Ose Aketi 4+4, Non-indigene Forum, as well as 19 out of the 26 members of the State lawmakers.
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