Three candidates in the Ondo governorship election have withdrawn from the race and endorsed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.
According to Ebenezer Adeniyan, chief press secretary to the Ondo governor, the candidates expressed their support for Aiyedatiwa during a solidarity visit on Thursday.
The candidates backing Aiyedatiwa are Ajibola Falaye of the Accord Party (AP), Jenyo Ataunoko of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), and Olaide Ibrahim, deputy gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Ondo governorship election will be conducted on November 16.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Falaye said Aiyedatiwa is dedicated to the progress of Ondo.
“We have been watching him, and his doors are always open to all,” he said.
“The state has been experiencing relative peace under his watch, which reflects his commitment to safeguarding the lives of our people.
“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.”
Aiyedatiwa thanked the governorship candidates for endorsing him.
“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 asked the candidates to appeal to their supporters to turn out on Saturday to cast their ballots.
“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,” he said.