Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Clarifies Certificate of Return Decision
Following his reelection in last Saturday’s governorship poll, Aiyedatiwa received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday at the national headquarters in Abuja.
After the presentation, the governor led a delegation of Ondo APC leaders to meet with the APC National Working Committee (NWC) at the party’s secretariat, where they were warmly received.
However, Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Adelami Olaide, did not follow the usual protocol of presenting their Certificates of Return to the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.
In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Aiyedatiwa explained that his decision was not intended as a slight to Ganduje or the party leadership. Instead, he chose to show respect for President Tinubu’s leadership by presenting the certificate to him first.
Aiyedatiwa noted that President Tinubu is the leader of the party, and as such, it is customary to present the certificate to him before anyone else. Since the President was not available, Aiyedatiwa decided to present the certificate to Ganduje, acknowledging the chairman’s leadership and the party’s success under his tenure.
Aiyedatiwa emphasized that his decision was not meant to be disrespectful, but rather a gesture of respect for the party’s leadership. He expressed his appreciation for Ganduje’s leadership and the party’s achievements under his tenure.
