With the Ondo State governorship election just days away, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, has reiterated his commitment to leading with integrity and faith if re-elected. During a meeting with Christian leaders on Monday at St. David’s Anglican Cathedral in Akure, Aiyedatiwa called on the religious community to pray for a peaceful election and the state’s continued progress.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Tuesday, Aiyedatiwa emphasized the spiritual responsibilities tied to governance. “I am one of you, a born-again Christian, and I understand the importance of leading with the fear of God. The Ondo State government is anchored on the body of Christ, and we cannot afford to fail,” Aiyedatiwa said. He urged Christian leaders to pray for wisdom in governance and a peaceful electoral process.

Rev Fr Anselm Ologunwa, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ondo State, commended the governor for addressing the concerns of the Christian community. While reaffirming CAN’s non-partisan stance, Ologunwa emphasized the group’s mission to uphold Christian values regardless of political alignment. He also announced that CAN would observe three days of prayer beginning November 10, in preparation for the November 16 election.

In a show of broader support, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Ondo State endorsed Aiyedatiwa’s re-election bid. During a congress meeting on Tuesday, TUC Chairman Clement Fatuase praised the governor for approving the new N73,000 minimum wage and launching a recruitment drive for teachers in primary and secondary schools. The TUC also lauded Aiyedatiwa’s sponsorship of workers to a regional labor summit and his focus on improving worker welfare.

In response, Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for the union’s support and reaffirmed his dedication to public servants. He emphasized that timely payment of wages was a right, not a favor, and promised to enhance training and capacity-building efforts within the state’s civil service to ensure effective governance. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Ondo governorship election for November 16, 2024.