The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly criticized the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, for reportedly intending to replicate the strategies employed to secure victory in the recent Edo State governorship election for the upcoming elections in Ondo.
In a statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, the PDP emphasized that the citizens of Ondo State will not be intimidated or silenced.
The party cautioned that any attempts to undermine the people’s choice will face strong resistance, recalling the events of 1979 as a vivid reminder.
Peretei remarked, “The entire global community was not only embarrassed but also ashamed by what can only be described as a farce during the Edo State Governorship Election held on September 21, 2024.”
He pointed out that while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Police are still under scrutiny for their perceived biases in the election, Ganduje, who arrived in Benin via a police helicopter, was boasting in Abuja about the prospect of Ondo and Anambra facing a similar fate during their upcoming elections.
“The PDP, Ondo State Chapter, believes that many Nigerians, both at home and abroad, are beginning to lose faith in our hard-earned democracy when influential figures like Ganduje suggest that their votes won’t matter as long as people like him remain in power,” he added.
Peretei further accused Ganduje of celebrating victories that serve as clear evidence of electoral fraud. Rather than reflecting on his role in undermining the people’s will, Ganduje aggravated the situation by claiming his party aims to dominate all five Southeastern states.
“It is crucial to remind Ganduje that Ondo State is not one where citizens can be intimidated or subdued. Our populace is well-informed and resilient,” he asserted.
He concluded by recalling how the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) attempted to thwart the people’s will, only to be met with resistance from the populace, demonstrating that such traditions of standing up for democracy have not faded.
