A leading aspirant of the All Progressives Congress for the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency seat, Oluwafemi Fadairo, has dismissed rumours of a rift between him and Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, declaring that he remains loyal to the governor and the party leadership.
Fadairo, who is seeking the APC ticket ahead of the forthcoming primary election, also insisted that the time had come for him to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.
The former Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (Central) to Governor Aiyedatiwa spoke on Tuesday while meeting with APC ward chairmen and stakeholders in Akure.
He said his decision to contest was driven by calls from constituents who believed he possessed the experience and grassroots support required for effective representation.
Fadairo disclosed that he had been screened and cleared by the APC screening committee ahead of the direct primary scheduled for Monday.
“I have been screened by the committee and cleared, which means the road is now open for my aspiration. The party has adopted direct primary, and we are fully prepared for the exercise,” he said.
The APC chieftain dismissed insinuations of political disagreement between him and the governor, describing Aiyedatiwa as his political leader.
“I have a cordial relationship with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. There is absolutely no friction between us. Politics should not destroy the relationship our people have built over the years,” he said.
According to him, he played a key role during Aiyedatiwa’s emergence as governor and remains committed to supporting his administration.
“I was the Director-General for his primary election in Akure, and just as I worked for him then, I am now working for myself. It is a win-win situation for him in Akure North and South, and now it is my turn,” Fadairo added.
He also dismissed reports suggesting that he was mounting pressure on the governor over the primary process, saying recent discussions between them were cordial.
“Some people are only trying to create unnecessary tension. We recently spoke extensively in Abuja, and there is no issue between us. He remains my leader, and I am loyal to him and the APC,” he stated.
Fadairo further rejected claims of an alleged consensus arrangement in favour of the incumbent lawmaker, insisting that the party had not announced any automatic ticket.
“That is mere speculation. Nothing like that has come from the party secretariat. Everyone should go to the field and canvass for votes,” he said.
Expressing confidence ahead of the exercise, the aspirant said he had spent years building political structures across the 23 wards in the constituency.
“This project did not start today. Since last year, I have been mobilising and strengthening my structures across the constituency. Direct primary is about party members voting openly, and I believe strongly in my grassroots support,” he said.
Fadairo also dismissed suggestions that his political influence was limited to Akure South, insisting that he enjoyed wide support in Akure North as well.
“I have massive support in Akure North, even more than in Akure South. I am a grassroots politician and I know my people very well,” he said.
The aspirant noted that his ambition was aimed at deepening development and inclusive representation in the constituency.
“This is my fourth time contesting, so I am not new to the race. I have the experience in National Assembly affairs and I am ready to make impact. It is my turn to represent Akure North and South,” he said.
He, however, urged his supporters and party members to remain peaceful before, during and after the primary election.
“Politics should unite us, not divide us. Everyone should conduct themselves responsibly because we are one family,” Fadairo added.
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