Three gubernatorial candidates have withdrawn from Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State after endorsing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The candidates announced their withdrawal from the election during a solidarity visit to Aiyedatiwa in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

The governorship candidates are Dr Ajibola Falaye (Accord Party), Jenyo Ataunoko (National Rescue Movement), and Adeyemi Nejo (African Democratic Congress).

Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Falaye said their decisions to back the governor for Saturday’s election was based on observations of his commitment to public service, since his time as the deputy governor.

He said: “We have been watching him, and his doors are always open to all. The state has been experiencing relative peace under his watch, which reflects his commitment to safeguarding the lives of our people.

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“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.”

Responding, Aiyedatiwa expressed 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.

The Star