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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has responded to criticism regarding his decision not to present his Certificate of Return to Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Aiyedatiwa dismissed claims of disrespect, stating that his actions were simply a matter of protocol.
After securing reelection last Saturday, Aiyedatiwa received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at its headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
However, during his visit to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) with his deputy, Adelami Olaide, the governor did not follow the usual practice of presenting his certificate to Ganduje.
In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Aiyedatiwa explained, “I am supposed to first present the certificate to Mr. President, the leader of this party. But he is not in town, which is why I cannot present it to Mr. Chairman first. It is not a matter of disrespect.”
The governor emphasized that his decision was based on his belief that President Bola Tinubu, as the party’s leader, should be given precedence.
Despite the deviation from protocol, Aiyedatiwa praised Ganduje’s leadership, noting, “Since he assumed the chairmanship, we have not lost any election.”
Aiyedatiwa’s visit to the APC NWC also highlighted his commitment to party unity, with Ondo APC leaders joining him in a warm reception at the party’s secretariat.
With President Tinubu expected to return soon, Aiyedatiwa’s actions may set a new precedent for party protocol.