THREE candidates for the Ondo state governorship election have stepped down from the race less than 48 hours before the poll, endorsing the candidacy of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Aiyedatiwa is seeking a re-election to the governorship seat.

The candidates withdrawing from the race are the flagbearer of the Accord Party ( AP), Ajibola Falaye and the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Jenyo Ataunko.

Also joined in the withdrawal from the race is the running mate to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Olaide Rasheed Ibrahim.

The governorship candidate of the ADC had earlier declared support for Governor Aiyedatiwa.

In a statement on Thursday, November 14, the Ondo state APC, staid, “48 hours to the governorship election in Ondo State, 3 gubernatorial candidates have withdrawn from the election, endorsing Governor @LuckyAiyedatiwa

“The candidates are of the Accord Party, the National Rescue Movement (NRM) and the ADC.”

The decision by the three candidates to withdraw from the race is hinged on their belief in Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to public service, track record, and outstanding performance in office.

“We have been watching him, and his doors are always open to all.

“The state has been experiencing relative peace under his watch, which reflects his commitment to safeguarding the lives of our people,” Falaye, the AP candidate said.

Expressing his gratitude for the endorsement, Aiyedatiwa said, “I didn’t call for this, but I am thankful that my colleagues in this race have voluntarily endorsed my mandate and are ready to mobilise their supporters to vote for the APC.”

The ICIR reports that the Ondo state governorship election is to be held on Saturday, September 16 across the 18 government government areas in the state.

Before now, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared 18 political parties for Saturday’s poll, expected to be carried out in the 3,933 polling units across the 203 Wards in the state.

The ICIR reports that Ondo is one of the eight states that conduct off-cycle governorship elections, which fall outside the usual general election.