Political leaders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the four local council areas of Akoko land in the northern senatorial district of Ondo State, at the weekend, unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The leaders, who converged on Ikare Akoko, headquarters of the Akoko North-East Local Council Area of the state, under the auspices of the Akoko Political Leaders Forum, also passed a vote of confidence in Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his strides in the state.

The move was made during the inaugural meeting of all APC leaders and stakeholders from Akoko North-East, Akoko North-West, Akoko South-East, and Akoko South-West Councils.

According to the convener of the meeting, a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Victor Olabimtan, the decision to endorse Tinubu for the second-term election was hinged on the need to allow him to complete his ongoing economic reforms.

Olabimtan expressed satisfaction over the new unity within the party in Akoko land, saying it was the first time party members would come together from the four local government areas to strategise and speak with one voice.

Explaining reasons for the support by the people of Akoko extraction, Olabimtan said halting the fiscal and economic policies currently being implemented by the Tinubu-led government would be suicidal for the nation by voting for a new administration.

He said: “The coming of all political leaders, elders of the party, present and past political office holders together from various local governments and various parties to support a common cause signals progress and unity in Akoko land.

“The Akoko people have spoken in one voice and very loudly. In order for the country to remain on the faster path and lane of prosperity, President Tinubu should be adopted by all as the sole candidate of the party for the 2027 presidential election for a second term in office.

“You don’t change a winning team. President Tinubu is performing and living up to expectations, and I am proud to say this: Nigeria is fortunate to have at the helm of affairs a visionary, forthright, knowledgeable, courageous, focused, and reformist leader like him.”

On his part, a former lawmaker in the state, Gbenga Omole, said, “Ondo is lucky, and Akoko-land is indeed lucky. The governor has started well. You must have seen that Aiyedatiwa has no room for abandoned projects.

“This is our government, and the governor surely deserves our unflinching support. I urge you all to let us rally round him to ensure that he does not just succeed but that he enjoys a peaceful reign through the utmost cooperation of party faithful.”

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Senator representing the district, Jide Ipinsagba; National Assembly member representing Akoko South-West/Akoko South-East Federal Constituency, Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati; and his Akoko North-East/Akoko North-West counterpart, Ifeoluwa Ehindero, were represented at the meeting, while four council chairmen in Akoko land were physically present, including past and present political office holders in the state and at the national level.