Aiyedatiwa vows to uplift Ondo, seeks re-election as governor

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Nigeria completed his tenure in February 2017 after serving two terms in office. Since then, the political landscape of the state has been abuzz with speculation and anticipation regarding who would succeed him. One of the prominent names that have emerged is that of Olusegun Mimiko's former deputy, Alhaji Ali Olanusi Aiyedatiwa.

On Wednesday, 13th September 2017, Aiyedatiwa made his intentions clear when he visited Akure South Local Government Area of the state to consult with party leaders and stakeholders. During his address, he expressed his desire to run for the governorship seat of Ondo State under the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), the political platform he defected to from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after Mimiko's tenure.

Aiyedatiwa emphasized that his decision to contest the governorship election was driven by his compassion for the people of Ondo State and his commitment to developing the state further. He stated that the state still had a long way to go in terms of infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and job creation, among other areas.

The former deputy governor acknowledged that the task ahead would not be an easy one, but he expressed confidence in his ability to lead the state to greater heights. He also promised to run an inclusive government that would cater to the needs of all sections of the state, irrespective of ethnic or political affiliations.

It is important to note that Aiyedatiwa's decision to contest the governorship election on the platform of the Zenith Labour Party is significant because the party is relatively new in the political landscape of Ondo State. The party was formed in 2014 by a faction of the Labour Party led by Chief Dan Nwanyanwu. Despite its newness, the party has been making strides in various parts of the country, and Aiyedatiwa's defection is a boost to its chances in the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State.

In conclusion, Alhaji Ali Olanusi Aiyedatiwa's decision to contest the governorship election in Ondo State is driven by his compassion for the people of the state and his commitment to developing the state further. He believes that there is still a lot of work to be done in terms of infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and job creation, among other areas. His decision to contest the election on the platform of the Zenith Labour Party is a significant development in the political landscape of the state and could potentially shake up the established political order.