KEY POINTS
- PDP rejects Ganduje’s statement on capturing Ondo state.
- Tensions rise ahead of November 16 governorship election.
- PDP vows to defend democracy in the Southwest region.
Following a statement by APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje announcing the party’s desire to seize all six southwestern states, the PDP has cautioned the APC to avoid Ondo State. In response, the PDP vehemently argued that the South West could not be “bought or captured.”
PDP rebukes APC’s ambitions
PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba called Ganduje’s remarks careless and reckless during a media briefing in Abuja, cautioning that the APC shouldn’t get ahead of itself with its recent electoral victory in Edo State.
According to Punch, Ologunagba underlined that the South West will not be readily swayed because of its long history of political independence.
“South West residents are politically aware and have strong wills. Democracy is in danger if anyone, including Ganduje, travels to Ondo and makes such claims. Ologunagba stated that the APC should avoid Ondo State.
Ondo elections a different contest
Tensions between the APC and PDP have increased in anticipation of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.
Also, with its candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the APC, which holds sway over four of the six southwestern states, is hoping to win Ondo by a landslide.
The PDP, however, has indicated that it is prepared to run for office and has issued a warning that it will not stand for any efforts to sabotage the democratic process.
“The election on November 16th is a completely different situation. Ondo residents are ready to cast their ballots for the PDP. Ologunagba went on to say that the APC should exercise caution while using hyperbole about seizing states.
Strong stance for democracy
The brazen response of the PDP to Ganduje’s statements shows how much the party cares for democracy in the area.
Ologunagba has restated the party’s preparedness to ensure that the election is unbiased while also maintaining the welfare of eligible voters of the Ondo State.
To sum up, he warned the APC not to do or seize the South West region because it is not a region to be captured. “We are not prisoners and we never have been captured. The PDP is ready for a victory and the people as well”.
