President Bola Tinubu has set a target of 1.2 million votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced the target on Wednesday, November 11, while representing Tinubu at an APC campaign rally in Akure.
He said Ondo had about 2.1 million registered voters. The President’s campaign expects the state to deliver at least 1.2 million votes.
Shettima led several APC leaders to the rally at Akure Township Stadium. He described the large turnout as evidence of the party’s support across the state.
Shettima Criticises Atiku and Obi
The Vice-President also criticised opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi over their campaign strategies.
He accused opposition politicians of relying heavily on social media platforms. Shettima contrasted their approach with the APC’s physical mobilisation in Ondo.
“Looking at the rally today in Ondo, it is shut down. Our political opponents are conducting rallies on Instagram and Facebook,” he said.
Shettima also questioned Atiku’s political influence in Adamawa State. He claimed the former Vice-President lacked the support of prominent political leaders from his home state.
He also criticised Obi, the former Anambra governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Shettima dismissed Obi’s economic arguments and questioned his leadership record.
“The ability to import cheap South African wines does not make one a guru in economics,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa Promises One Million Votes
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa pledged at least one million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 election.
He said the President’s policies and appointments had benefited the state. Aiyedatiwa specifically highlighted the appointment of three ministers from Ondo.
They include Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Youth Minister Ayodele Olawande.
The governor also cited his administration’s recruitment of more than 6,000 workers. He listed healthcare improvements, infrastructure projects and support for young entrepreneurs.
APC leaders urged party members to unite behind the campaign. They warned that internal divisions could undermine the party’s mobilisation efforts.
APC Leaders Rally Support for Tinubu
Former Zamfara Governor Abdulazeez Yari said Ondo should deliver more than one million votes. He urged party leaders to work together towards the target.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also called for unity among APC stakeholders. He said Tinubu had directed party leaders to recognise Aiyedatiwa as the state’s campaign coordinator.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma urged eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards. He said effective mobilisation would be necessary to meet the party’s target.
Former Ondo Governor Olusegun Mimiko also promised that party leaders would work together. Senator Adams Oshiomhole urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The campaign rally forms part of the APC’s wider mobilisation ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
Meanwhile, traditional rulers from the South-West have endorsed Tinubu for a second term. They also called for the Presidency to remain in Southern Nigeria during the next electoral cycle.
The APC’s 1.2 million-vote target remains a campaign objective. Actual votes will depend on voter participation and the outcome of the election.
