Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has rallied members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State to mobilize for victory in the upcoming governorship election on Saturday. In a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the PDP candidate, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, as an experienced politician dedicated to the progress of Ondo State, asserting that Ajayi possesses the leadership qualities to elevate the state’s prosperity.
Atiku highlighted that the election provides a pivotal chance for Ondo residents to make a change, saying, “The APC, as it has been made clear to everyone, is a grossly unpopular party, which does not have the interest of the people as a core objective. The people of Ondo State have an opportunity in Hon. Ajayi of the PDP to tell the APC that enough is enough.” He further emphasized that the PDP leadership is committed to ensuring a fair electoral process and will stand firmly against any malpractice.
PDP and APC Accuse Each Other of Election Manipulation
As election day draws near, tensions between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have intensified, with both parties accusing each other of attempting to manipulate the poll. The PDP, through state publicity secretary Kennedy Peretei, alleged that APC leaders had submitted lists of party members to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to serve as Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers without proper training. Peretei stated, “The entire world is watching, and this move by Adetimehin has vindicated our consistent call for the redeployment of Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, who has Adetimehin’s backing in this scheme.”
In response, APC spokesperson Alex Kalejaye dismissed these claims as “fabrications,” asserting that the APC has earned the people’s support through various development projects across the state’s 18 local government areas. “We have appealed to the people, and they have shown understanding and a willingness to support the party. Therefore, we have no reason to even consider compromising the election; it is simply not true,” he said.
The PDP’s allegations and the APC’s rebuttal underscore the high stakes in this election, with both parties keen on securing Ondo State. As Ondo voters prepare to cast their ballots, calls for vigilance resonate, with Atiku urging supporters to ensure their votes count and that democracy prevails.
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