SWAGA 2.0: Ondo Mobilises Support for Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa Targets One Million Votes
By Olusegun HOSEA, Akure
The Ondo State chapter of the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) has officially flagged off the second-term campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa pledging a minimum of one million votes for the President in the 2027 election.
The event, held at the International Conference Centre, The Dome, Akure, was led by the state leader of the group, Honourable Abegunde Ifedayo, alongside other political stakeholders and supporters.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Aiyedatiwa recalled his early association with SWAGA, noting that the group had shown foresight by backing Tinubu at a time many doubted his chances of becoming President.
“About four years ago, when SWAGA was formed, many people did not give our current President a chance. But SWAGA was visionary; they saw what others could not see,” he said.
The governor noted that the group’s original mission—to ensure Tinubu’s emergence as President—had been achieved, adding that the renewed campaign under SWAGA 2.0 is aimed at securing his re-election in 2027.
He emphasized that Ondo State played a significant role in Tinubu’s 2023 victory, delivering one of the highest voting percentages, and deserved the benefits it currently enjoys.
Looking ahead, Aiyedatiwa expressed confidence in surpassing previous electoral performance. “For us in Ondo State, we have set a target of a minimum of one million votes in the next election. That is our benchmark,” he declared.
The governor also urged support groups to intensify grassroots mobilization, stressing that elections are won at the ward and unit levels, not just in urban centres.
He highlighted key achievements of the Tinubu administration, including economic reforms, student loan initiatives, improved security efforts, and strengthened international relations, noting that these would form the basis of the re-election campaign.
In his welcome address, Honourable Abegunde Ifedayo said SWAGA was originally established to mobilise support for Tinubu’s presidential ambition, a goal he said had been successfully realised.
Also speaking, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye recounted the group’s nationwide campaign efforts, noting that SWAGA had taken its message across several states, including Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, and Akwa Ibom.
He acknowledged that selling Tinubu’s candidacy to Nigerians was initially challenging, as many were skeptical despite his track record as Governor of Lagos State. However, he said those doubts had since been dispelled.
According to Adeyeye, Nigeria was on the brink of economic collapse before Tinubu assumed office in 2023, but decisive policy actions by the President helped stabilise the country and set it on a path to growth.
He cited improvements in fuel supply stability, infrastructure development, education, and public finance management as evidence of the administration’s performance.
Adeyeye also dismissed claims that the President was promoting a one-party state, insisting that Nigeria remains a multi-party democracy, where strong leadership naturally attracts widespread support.
He expressed confidence that Tinubu would secure a second term, urging Nigerians to support the SWAGA 2.0 movement as a pathway to continuity, stability, and national development.
