Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has clarified why he chose not to present his Certificate of Return to Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating it was not an act of disrespect.

Aiyedatiwa, who secured reelection in last Saturday’s polls, was awarded his Certificate of Return on Wednesday at 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) at the party’s secretariat, where they were warmly received.

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However, in a move that sparked curiosity, neither Aiyedatiwa nor Olaide presented their certificates to Ganduje, a customary protocol within the APC.

Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, Aiyedatiwa revealed the reason behind the decision. He 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 emphasized his respect for Ganduje’s leadership and contributions to the APC. “I just believe that the right thing to do is to present it to Mr. President first before coming here. But since I am in Abuja, I had to come. I recognise the leadership that Ganduje has provided for this party at the national and even the state level. Since he took over as the chairman of this party, we have not lost any election.”

The gesture underlines Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to party hierarchy and respect for President Bola Tinubu as the APC’s leader. His comments reflect a balance between protocol and appreciation for Ganduje’s efforts in steering the party to electoral success.