AKURE IN APC COLOURS: Inside Aiyedatiwa’s Political Show of Strength
By Kikelomo Isijola
Not every political gathering leaves a lasting impression. Some are simply routine party events, while others stand out for their atmosphere, energy and the message they convey. Wednesday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally at the Akure Township Stadium was certainly one of the latter.
Having witnessed the event firsthand, I can say that the atmosphere was electric. From the early hours, supporters began trooping into the stadium and it did not take long to realise that Akure was about to host a major political gathering.
The stadium and its surroundings were awash with APC colours. Party flags flew high, campaign banners and branded materials were everywhere, while music, drums, chants and dancing groups kept the excitement alive. At some point, it felt more like a carnival than a conventional political rally.
Women groups, youths, party faithful, political associates and supporters from the 18 local government areas of Ondo State turned out in impressive numbers. Their colourful attire, songs, coordinated displays and enthusiastic participation gave the gathering a festive feel. More importantly, it was a visible demonstration of the party’s determination to present a united front.
Beyond the colourful spectacle, however, the rally was also an important political moment for Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
For him, the occasion went beyond hosting national political leaders and welcoming the party’s presidential campaign to Ondo State. It was an opportunity to bring party members together, engage key stakeholders and demonstrate the strength of the APC structure under his leadership.
Throughout the event, the Governor’s involvement reflected his determination to position Ondo State as a strong and dependable part of the party’s national political machinery.
The turnout also spoke to the mobilisation efforts of party leaders, elected representatives, government officials, women and youth groups. Watching the crowd respond to the activities, it was difficult to miss the enthusiasm. It showed in their faces, their songs and the energy with which they identified with the party and its presidential candidate.
One of the major highlights of the rally was Governor Aiyedatiwa’s declaration that Ondo State would deliver at least one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
That was a bold political commitment, and it came with a clear responsibility for the party. The Governor was, in effect, challenging APC leaders and members across the state to turn the enthusiasm on display at the stadium into meaningful grassroots mobilisation.
He recalled Ondo State’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, when the state gave President Tinubu the highest percentage of votes nationwide. He expressed confidence that the state could do even better in 2027.
But his message went beyond making promises. He urged party leaders and members to take the campaign to the grassroots, reaching communities, wards, polling units and individual households.
The Governor also used the occasion to acknowledge President Tinubu’s support for Ondo State, particularly through federal appointments.
He specifically mentioned three prominent indigenes of the state serving in the Federal Executive Council: Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, and Hon. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development.
According to Aiyedatiwa, these appointments reflect the President’s recognition of Ondo State’s contributions to national development and his confidence in the ability of its people to serve.
He assured the President that the state would reciprocate the gesture with stronger political support and an improved electoral performance in 2027.
The importance of the rally was also reflected in the calibre of dignitaries who attended. Among them were Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu; APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; and Senator Abdulaziz Yari, among other notable political figures.
Their presence gave the gathering added national significance. It was also an opportunity for Ondo State to demonstrate its place within the APC’s national political structure.
For me, one of the important things about the rally was what it revealed about political leadership. Beyond occupying public office, leadership also involves building relationships, bringing different interests together and creating room for collective participation.
That was one of the impressions the gathering left. The turnout, the organisation and the enthusiasm of party members presented the picture of a political family making a concerted effort towards a common goal.
Of course, the real measure of the rally will not be the number of people who attended or the volume of applause that greeted the speeches. It will be seen in how effectively the party translates that energy into votes when the election comes.
Still, Wednesday’s gathering provided a significant platform for the APC to begin that process in Ondo State.
For Governor Aiyedatiwa, the political message was unmistakable. He was not just hosting a presidential campaign rally, he was making a statement about Ondo State’s place in the APC and assuring the party’s national leadership of the state’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to the 2027 contest.
As the music played, flags waved and supporters sang and danced, the Akure Township Stadium became a meeting point for political loyalty, ambition and collective aspiration.
Having been there to witness it all as a Special Assistant, I left with one clear impression – Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was determined to put Ondo State firmly on the map of the APC’s political mobilisation ahead of 2027.
The one-million-vote target has been set. The task now is to turn that declaration into action.
Hon. Kikelomo Isijola,
Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on Digital Media.
