By Oladipupo Akinfaye MSc, FCCA,FCA
Democracy is not measured merely by the conduct of elections, but by the maturity with which political actors manage their outcomes. Victory and defeat are both inevitable features of any democratic process, but what ultimately defines political leadership is the ability to place collective interest above personal ambition.
With the conclusion of the recent party primaries in Ondo State, our great party has once again demonstrated the vitality of internal democracy. I congratulate all aspirants who emerged successful. Their victories come with an enormous responsibility to justify the confidence reposed in them and to carry the aspirations of our people with vision, humility, and competence.
I also commend those who participated but did not emerge. Their contributions to the process remain invaluable. Democracy is strengthened not only by those who win, but by all who willingly submit themselves to the process in service of a greater cause.
Special recognition must go to His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his leadership and political maturity throughout this critical period. I also commend the National Working Committee of our party, under the leadership of the National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, for ensuring order, fairness, and institutional stability.
Expectedly, every political contest leaves behind emotions and disappointments. This is natural. But the primaries are over, and the greater task before us now is reconciliation.
This is the moment to heal, not to divide.
Ondo State needs political stability to sustain development. Our people are more concerned about governance, infrastructure, economic growth, and improved living standards than prolonged political disagreements. The responsibility before us is to unite and focus on the bigger picture.
At this crucial moment, I make a passionate appeal to Governor Aiyedatiwa to deliberately walk the path of reconciliation for the greater good of Ondo State. Leadership at this stage demands magnanimity, inclusiveness, and the courage to bring together all shades of political interests within our party. It is through reconciliation that trust is rebuilt, confidence restored, and collective energy redirected toward governance and development.
I urge the Governor, as the father of the state and the leader of our party in Ondo, His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to extend genuine hands of fellowship to those who may feel aggrieved by the outcome of the primaries. Political disagreements are temporary, but the consequences of division can endure far longer than any contest. Healing these wounds now will not only strengthen party unity but also reinforce the political stability necessary for sustainable development and electoral success ahead.
A united political front remains indispensable for effective governance in Ondo State. When a party is divided after a primary, governance often suffers from internal mistrust, weakened coordination, and competing centres of loyalty. Unity, on the other hand, ensures that government efforts are reinforced by a stable political base, enabling policies and programmes to be implemented without unnecessary friction or distraction.
Furthermore, a cohesive political structure strengthens the state’s bargaining power at the national level. With a united front, Ondo State can more effectively attract federal attention, resources, and strategic interventions. Division weakens influence, but unity amplifies it, ensuring that the interests of the state are advanced with clarity, consistency, and collective force.
History has shown that true leadership is not only about winning contests, but about uniting interests for the common good. This is the time for all stakeholders to close ranks, rise above bitterness, and work together for the progress of Ondo State.
The future of our state is bigger than any individual ambition. If we remain united, we can consolidate on the President’s gains and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and position Ondo State for greater development and prosperity.
This is the time for peace.
This is the time for unity.
This is the time for progress.
Oladipupo Akinfaye MSc, FCCA, FCA
Party Stalwart, Ondo City.