As preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum, hundreds of non-indigenes residing in Ondo State have vowed to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming presidential polls.
The non-indigenes, living across the state’s 18 local government areas and hailing from various parts of the country, pledged to deliver more than one million votes for the President.
Mrs. Usor Fidelis, President of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Ondo State, speaking at a rally in Akure on Tuesday, said her members were ready to mobilise support for the President.
She explained that the event served as a formal declaration of endorsement for Tinubu’s leadership and administration.
“Today’s gathering is both significant and purposeful. We have assembled here to formally declare our support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose leadership has demonstrated courage, vision and determination in steering Nigeria through a critical period of national transformation.
“This is not just a rally; it is a celebration of leadership, unity and the shared vision of a stronger Nigeria. As non-indigenes who have made Ondo State our home, we are proud to contribute to its economic growth, cultural diversity and social harmony,” Fidelis said.
She highlighted that the non-indigene community in Ondo State includes traders, professionals, artisans, and entrepreneurs from across Nigeria, stressing their commitment to promoting unity, peace, and national development.
“We are united by one goal: the peace, stability and prosperity of our country. That is why we are here today, to reaffirm our support for continuity, progress and purposeful leadership,” she added.
At the rally, Mr. Olumide Obadele, Coordinator of the Progressive Network for Tinubu (PNT), said the group had mobilised communities throughout the state and was confident of exceeding the success of the 2023 election.
He praised the non-indigene community for unanimously endorsing Tinubu’s bid for re-election.
“We have many communities under the umbrella of non-indigenes in Ondo State, and we have declared our support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This development excites us, and we are glad about it.
“In the 2023 election, non-indigenes delivered about 30 percent of the votes for Tinubu. I can assure you that in 2027 it will be more than that. Ondo State will deliver nothing less than one million votes for Tinubu,” Obadele said.
He noted that the Progressive Network for Tinubu had engaged stakeholders across the non-indigene communities under the influence of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to encourage continued support for the President.
Obadele urged community members to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the elections, emphasizing that continued backing for Tinubu was essential for Nigeria’s progress.
“We must orient our people to get their PVCs. The best we can do for the country is to re-elect Tinubu,” he said.