Aiyedatiwa rallies South-West support for Tinubu’s re-election, launches SWAGA 2.0

By Tolulope Eniola

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday rallied political stakeholders across the South-West to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking at the flag off the second phase of the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA 2.0), held at The Dome in Akure, he expressed confidence in the President’s chances of securing a second term, citing his performance in office and ongoing reforms as key drivers of growing support.

According to the governor, Tinubu’s administration has moved beyond campaign promises to delivering tangible results, particularly in economic reforms, education initiatives such as the student loan scheme, efforts to address insecurity and increased international engagement.

He recalled that SWAGA had, years ago, taken an early and bold decision to support Tinubu’s presidential ambition when many were uncertain about his chances, describing the group as visionary and consistent in its objectives.

The governor noted that the focus has now shifted from projecting past achievements to presenting measurable outcomes of governance, which he said has strengthened the case for the President’s re-election.

Highlighting the importance of grassroots mobilisation, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that strong political structures have been established across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State, extending to wards and polling units.

He emphasised that electoral victories are determined at the grassroots, urging members of the group to intensify efforts at the unit level.

The governor also revealed that some states in the South-West are already projecting a minimum of one million votes each for the President in 2027, expressing optimism that the region would deliver overwhelming support.

In his remarks, the Ondo State convener of SWAGA and Executive Director of Corporate Affairs at the Niger Delta Development Commission, Ifedayo Abegunde, said the group has remained steadfast in its support for Tinubu, having stood by him before and after his emergence as President.

Abegunde recounted how members of the group mobilised across the country to encourage Tinubu to contest for the presidency, noting that their commitment has remained unwavering.

Also speaking, the National Chairman of SWAGA, Senator Bayo Adeyeye, described the state of the nation prior to Tinubu’s administration as critical, noting that decisive leadership was required to stabilise the country.

He maintained that policies introduced by the current administration have begun to reposition Nigeria for growth and stability, pointing to developments in infrastructure, education and economic management.

Adeyeye further dismissed concerns about a drift toward a one-party state, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic system remains intact and that increasing support for the ruling party reflects public confidence in the President’s leadership.

Dignitaries at the event included the Chief of Staff to the Ondo State Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Ambassador Olusola Iji; the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kolawole Babatunde; traditional rulers, and other party stakeholders.