By Ayomide Otitoju
In preparation for the Ondo State governorship election, Senator Dr. Ajibola Basiru, National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), spearheaded a thorough review of the APC Situation Room’s technological systems and personnel on Thursday and Friday, November 2024. The Situation Room, designed to oversee election monitoring, aims to ensure a transparent process while offering valuable insights for future electoral improvements.
Governor Okpabolo Leads Monitoring Committee
The APC Election Monitoring Committee, chaired by Governor Monday Okpabolo of Edo State, paid a visit to the Situation Room in Akure, the state capital. Senator Basiru and his team provided a detailed briefing on the advanced systems deployed for oversight.
Governor Okpabolo expressed his admiration for the robust technological setup and the team’s dedication. He commended Senator Basiru’s innovative leadership in assembling a group of skilled, tech-savvy youths to manage the election monitoring process.
Key Collaborators in Election Strategy
Supporting Senator Basiru’s efforts was Comrade Philip Shaibu, the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, who brought expertise in technology-driven election management. Also contributing was Comrade Ayodele Adewale, former Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government and APC Lagos State Organizing Secretary, who shared strategies on grassroots mobilization and effective feedback mechanisms.
The trio engaged in intensive planning sessions over three days in Akure, working late into the night to fine-tune strategies aimed at ensuring a successful election outcome.
Pro-Democracy Legacy
The collaboration reflects a shared history of activism among the three leaders. Senator Basiru, a former students’ union leader, Comrade Shaibu, past President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and Comrade Adewale, former NANS Public Relations Officer, were active voices during Nigeria’s military regime. They joined forces with prominent pro-democracy figures like Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, among others, in the fight to entrench democratic governance.
Commitment to a Transparent Election
The APC’s focus remains on delivering victory for its candidate, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. The party has combined door-to-door campaigns with advanced technological tools to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.
Senator Basiru reaffirmed the APC’s dedication to democratic principles and good governance, expressing optimism for a resounding victory. “This effort underscores our commitment to fair elections and the advancement of Nigeria’s democracy,” he stated.
As the Ondo State governorship election draws closer, the APC’s strategy and preparations reflect its resolve to uphold transparency and electoral integrity.
