All Progressives Congress leader, Bola Tinubu, was absent from the All Progressives Congress mega rally in Akure on Wednesday.
However, not less than 15 APC governors were introduced by the Master of Ceremonies at the event which was broadcast live on TVC.
Those present include Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, his Katsina State counterpart, Aminu Masari; Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, his Kebbi State counterpart, Atiku Bagudu; and Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola.
Others present were Governor Sani Bello of Niger State; Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni; Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State; Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State; Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Gombe State Governor Muhammad Yahaya; and Simon Lalong of Plateau State.
The Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Emmanuel Akabe; former Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State as well as serving ministers and senators were also present.
Tinubu had on September 5, 2020, alongside a former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande; visited Akure to help launch Akeredolu’s re-election campaign.
The APC leader was actively involved in the September 19, 2020, Edo State governorship election, which the APC candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, lost.
A few days before the election, Tinubu published a video calling on the people of the state to reject Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party at the polls. However, the move failed.
Following the defeat of the APC in Edo State, Tinubu has adopted a more tacit approach in Ondo State.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has applauded Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State for his massive developmental projects in the state, saying he deserves to be elected for a second term.
President Buhari said “I have no doubt that our candidate is a good brand for the APC to market. I am particularly delighted by his original approach to governance.
“His performance within the limits of available resources is endearing. He has taken the state to a new level and on the path of prosperity.
“I inaugurated some of the projects executed by his administration which are enduring legacies.
“Today, I declare that Akeredolu deserves to be re-elected to consolidate on the good works of his first term,” he said.