The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday flagged off the campaign for governorship candidate of the party, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) for the November 26 election in Ondo state.
The mass gathering held at the Democracy Park in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Although the event had Governors, Ministers and top party officials in attendance, some key personalities were conspicuously absent.
It is still unclear whether their non-appearance was due to internal crisis within the party.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who was widely believed would attend the rally, failed to make the trip.
National Organising Secretary of the APC, Osita Izunaso, while announcing dignitaries present in order of protocol said Osinbajo was represented by his Chief of Staff.
Also absent were a national leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu, and governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, his core loyalist.
Reacting, Tunde Rahman, media adviser to the former Lagos Governor told DAILY POST Thursday night on phone that “Asiwaju Tinubu is not in the country at present. Thanks”
Recall that the outcome of the primary that produced Akeredolu pitched Oyegun against Tinubu.
The loss of Jagaban’s rumored favoured candidate, Segun Abraham, culminated in his call for Oyegun’s resignation.
But Oyegun fired back, insisting that one person cannot order him to vacate office.
However, speaking at the event APC National Chairman, John Oyegun, admitted that to take power from an incumbent government was not an easy task.
He therefore stressed that for the APC to win the poll, members should show dedication and work hard.
Oyegun added that Ondo is a “very important state to the Federal Government”.
Also speaking, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, stressed the need for unity among party members, saying “where there are disputes, we must resolve them’’.
“We must not entertain malice; we should put all hands on deck to ensure that the party emerged victorious at the election.
“We should embark on house to house camp
