The political atmosphere in Ondo State came alive on Friday as the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) led an unprecedented coalition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu support groups to stage a grand reception for the nine All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The candidates arrived at the Akure Airport to a rousing welcome by thousands of party faithful, supporters and members of various pro-Tinubu organisations, who converged on the airport in a colourful display of solidarity and unity.
Among the groups that participated in the reception were the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), AMG Women Wing, Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), BTO4PBAT, PBAT Ambassadors, Renewed Hope Volunteers, Progressive Women for Tinubu, Tinubu Support Vanguard, alongside several other grassroots political organisations drawn from the eighteen local government areas of the State.
The excitement soon spilled onto the streets of Akure as the supporters escorted the candidates in a massive motorcade from the airport through major roads in the State capital before terminating at the Fiwasaye Junction, where enthusiastic party members and residents thronged both sides of the roads to welcome the APC flag bearers.
The candidates, comprising Hon. Dr. Oluwatimehin Adeleye of Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Hon. Okunrinmi John Odimayo of Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye of Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Dr. Michael Akintomide Ajilo of Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency, Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati of Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency, Hon. Donald Ojogo of Ilaje/Esse-Odo Federal Constituency, Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero of Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency, Hon. Festus Olarewaju of Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency and Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji Ohwovoriole of Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency, later departed for their respective federal constituencies amid cheers from supporters and party faithful.
Speaking during the reception, the Director-General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group, Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla, described the emergence of the candidates as a testament to the confidence reposed in them by the APC and expressed optimism that they would deliver quality representation to their constituents.
He said the overwhelming turnout recorded at the airport and throughout the motorcade was a reflection of the growing acceptance of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the continued confidence of the people in his progressive leadership.
“The massive reception witnessed today is a clear message that the people of Ondo State remain firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the progressive ideals of our great party. It also reflects the unity within our great party and the widespread acceptance already enjoyed by our candidates across the State.
“I equally commend the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party for conducting a transparent and credible process that produced candidates of proven capacity and integrity. Their commitment to internal democracy has further strengthened the confidence of party members and reaffirmed the APC’s position as a party founded on fairness, justice and due process.
“I must also specially appreciate our indefatigable leader and Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose leadership has continued to energise the progressive movement in Ondo State. His political dexterity, commitment to party unity and unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have remained a source of strength for our party and an inspiration to the younger generation of leaders.
“Our candidates should see their emergence not as a personal achievement but as a call to greater service. They must justify the confidence reposed in them by the party through humility, hard work, accessibility and quality representation for the people they seek to serve.” Asagunla said.
He assured that the Asiwaju Mandate Group and the various Tinubu support groups across the State would continue to mobilise massively in support of the APC and work tirelessly to ensure overwhelming victories for all the party’s candidates in the 2027 general elections.