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Bolu-Olu Esho
The decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of All Progressives Congress (APC) to uphold the recommendations of the party’s Congress Appeal Committee has been described as a confirmation that the party’s leadership truly hears the voices of the people.
The party’s candidate for Ondo East/ Ondo West federal constituency for the 2027 general elections, Michael Akintomide stated this while being welcomed by thousands of his supporters in Ondo State weekend.
While addressing his supporters, Akintomide appreciated the people for their show of love, saying the carnival-like reception given him by the people was a clear indication that they freely gave him their mandate.
He said the party’s leadership had respected the party members’ decision by granting his prayers before the Appeal Committee.
“Nothing gives me greater joy than seeing my people standing firmly behind me. It shows that their voices were heard and that the National Working Committee did the right thing. I give all the glory to God,” Akintomide said.
Giving reasons for his popularity among the people of the federal constituency, Akintomide disclosed that his relationship with the people predated his political ambition.
He said he had invested in education, water supply, scholarships and community development, including construction of classroom blocks, provision of motorised boreholes, awarding scholarships to over 400 students and support for various sporting and social initiatives across the constituency.
The APC chieftain declared that his effective representation at the National Assembly would provide a broader platform to attract development and enact policies with lasting benefits for the constituency.
He said: “Representation is beyond personal philanthropy. It is about making informed decisions, formulating policies and attracting development that will outlive our generation.
“By God’s grace, I will make my constituency proud and ensure the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots.”
However, Akintomide appealed for reconciliation after the APC primary, urging members to put the contest behind them and unite for the party’s victory in the 2027 general elections.
“The election has come and gone. The party has chosen its candidates. We should all work together to ensure the APC wins the general elections.”
Also speaking at the grand reception, a former Chairman of Ondo West Local Government and APC chieftain, Ebenezer Akinsulure, stated that the reception was a reflection of Akintomide’s popularity and acceptance across the federal constituency.
He said the massive turnout at the reception was a testimony to the fact that APC members and residents were united behind the APC Reps candidate.
Akinsulure also expressed confidence in the competence of the APC candidate to give the people outstanding representation at the National Assembly.
He said: “This is what Ondo needs. We all worked for this victory, and by God’s grace we achieved it. Looking at this crowd, you can clearly see that Ajilo is the most popular among all the aspirants.
“We know him very well. Since his days at the General Hospital, the people have known him as someone who serves with commitment. I have no doubt he will perform excellently.”
Akintomide was given an unprecedented reception by the people of federal as they waited for him at Bolorunduro, the gateway to Ondo Kingdom.
Sighting him, they began to chant solidarity songs, waving party flags and dancing to traditional beats as they led his convoy to the heart of Ondo Kingdom.
Commercial activities were briefly suspended as market women and men joined the mammoth crowd surrounding the APC candidate to welcome him back home after his victory in the party’s primary.
The colourful roadshow was rounded off at the party’s Secretariat in Ondo city.