Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged winner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election in Ondo State, securing victory across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr. Ajibola Samuel, who announced the results, said Atiku polled a total of 18,287 votes to clinch the party’s ticket in the state.
According to the results, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, came second with 6,031 votes, while Hayatudeen Muhammed secured 837 votes.
Speaking after the announcement, the Ondo State Chairman of the ADC, Hon. Tola Alabere, expressed confidence in the growing strength of the party ahead of future elections.
He said the ADC was well positioned to challenge the ruling parties and promised that the party would “spring surprises” in subsequent polls.
“We have prepared for them, and you can see it yourself now. We are on ground,” Alabere stated.
The party chairman urged residents of Ondo State to reflect on issues such as economic hardship, insecurity, and the rising cost of living when making political decisions.
He said the ADC had enough issues to campaign on, adding that the people of the state would listen to the party once campaigns commence fully.
Alabere also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken opposition parties, but claimed the strategy was failing as more Nigerians continued to join the ADC.
He cited the registration of over 4,000 new members in Jigawa State on the same day the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) allegedly removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from the party’s portal.
The ADC chairman further disclosed that former Senator Ayo Akinyelure had joined the party and had been adopted as the ADC candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District.
He also announced Hon. Gbenga Edema as the party’s candidate for the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
“So we are waxing stronger every day. People are joining us every day, and with the discontentment in APC, I can tell you that so many of their members will vote for us,” Alabere said.
