Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has addressed concerns over his decision not to present his Certificate of Return to Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Aiyedatiwa dismissed speculations of disrespect, stating it was a matter of protocol.

Aiyedatiwa, who secured reelection last Saturday, received his Certificate of Return on Wednesday from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja.

Following the presentation, the governor and his deputy, Adelami Olaide, visited the APC National Working Committee (NWC) but chose not to hand over their certificates to Ganduje as customary.

Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, Aiyedatiwa explained, “I am supposed to first of all present the certificate to Mr President, the leader of this party. But he is not in town. That is why I cannot present the certificate to Mr Chairman first. So, it is not a case of being disrespectful.”

The governor added that his decision was driven by a belief that honouring President Bola Tinubu, as the party’s leader, should take precedence.

Despite the protocol deviation, Aiyedatiwa commended Ganduje’s leadership, saying, “Since he took over as the chairman of this party, we have not lost any election.”

The visit to the APC NWC also underscored Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to party unity, as he led a delegation of Ondo APC leaders who were warmly welcomed at the party’s secretariat.

With Tinubu expected back soon, Aiyedatiwa’s gesture may set a new precedence in party protocol.