Honorable Francis Obule, the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Political Matters, has urged Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the former governor of Kano State and current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to retract his statement about “capturing” the Ondo State gubernatorial election for the APC.
Obule believes that Ganduje should focus on campaigning for votes and presenting what the party can offer to the people of Ondo.
In his statement, Obule emphasized the importance of withdrawing Ganduje’s remarks, describing them as a dangerous affront to Nigeria’s democratic process. He asserted that democracy thrives when citizens are allowed to make their own choices during elections.
“Elections are not about capturing territories; they are about the voting process, where the electorate exercises their rights,” Obule stated. He challenged Ganduje further, questioning why, if capturing Ondo was so simple, he did not apply that same strategy during the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Kano State.
Obule criticized the notion of using presidential power to intimidate others into submission, stating, “It is unacceptable to use such power to impose candidates, as it undermines the very principles of democracy.”
He condemned Ganduje’s use of the term “capturing,” arguing that it reflects a coercive approach that disregards the interests and desires of the people of Ondo State and Nigeria at large. Obule called for a fair electoral process that respects the will of the voters in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Moreover, Obule cautioned that Ganduje should not attempt to revert Nigeria to a one-party system reminiscent of the Abacha era, where political parties were forced to adopt a single candidate. He recalled the painful memories of the annulled June 12 presidential election, which led to significant suffering and exile for many Nigerians.
“From 1993 to 1999, it took Nigeria six long years to achieve the democracy we enjoy today,” Obule noted, urging Ganduje and his associates to embrace peace and unity instead of seeking to impose their will.
He pointed out that many leaders who once sought power through coercive means have faded into obscurity, while those who fought for Nigeria’s democratic values are remembered with respect. He cited prominent figures like late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello as examples of leaders who contributed positively to Nigeria’s stability.
Obule reiterated that Ganduje, as an elder statesman, should choose his words carefully and allow the electorate to decide who governs them. He emphasized that Nigeria has endured significant hardship to attain its current democratic status, and careless statements such as “capturing Ondo State” must not undermine this hard-won achievement.
Finally, Obule called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other stakeholders to maintain neutrality in the elections and resist any attempts to side with the ruling party, ensuring that the right leaders are chosen through a fair democratic process.
