Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has said he chose Lucky Ayedatiwa as his running mate because he possessed verifiable credentials.

Akeredolu, who spoke yesterday at the swearing in of aides, said: “Party chiefains made wide consultations to choose the most suitable candidate as my running mate. We have concluded that Lucky Ayedatiwa is the appropriate choice given the prevailing circumstances in the political arena…

“He has been with us since the beginning of this political journey in 2012, and some important factors assisted the leaders in arriving at his choice. We have decided to sever ties with mediocrity and treachery.

“There is indeed no art to find the mind’s construction in the face; we are also not in any position to change yesterday. We must, however, allow the experiences of the immediate past to guide our decision.

“A candidate with verifiable credentials and pedigree has been chosen to complete the last part of the governorship race. We may not have chosen a saint and the best… We owe our people the duty of care in this regard.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described Ayedatiwa as the right choice. It described Ayedatiwa, who hails from Ilaje Local Government in Ondo South, as a grassroots politician that would add value to the party.

Chairman Ade Adetimehin said loyalty was considered.

“Ayedatiwa is a grassroots politician and very loyal to the party. We do not want anybody who will betray us in the future. With Ayedatiwa as Akeredolu’s running mate, victory is sure,” he added.