The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially kicked off its campaign in Ondo State ahead of the highly anticipated gubernatorial election on November 16.
The campaign launch took place on Tuesday at Oyemekun Road in Akure, the state capital.
Party members gathered in large numbers, wearing branded uniforms and caps, as they celebrated the start of the campaign with great enthusiasm.
Mr. Agboola Ajayi, the PDP candidate, was presented with the party flag by Alhaji Umar Damagun, the National Chairman of the PDP.
The rally saw the attendance of notable leaders from the party, including governors from Oyo, Osun, and Bauchi States.
Prominent figures at the event included Seyi Makinde, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and Governor Bala Mohammed.
Senator Abba Moro, a former Lead Representative of Ebonyi State, and Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru, a former deputy governor of Ondo State, were also present.
Damagun expressed confidence in the party’s ability to reclaim Ondo State.
He urged party members to protect their votes and rid themselves of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he claimed has caused suffering for the people.
“It is a known fact that APC has brought hunger to this nation,” Damagun stated.
“This is the time to pay them back. This is your opportunity to change the narrative. Agboola Ajayi is the person to do it for you.”
He warned supporters against trusting the APC, saying, “They are thieves. Don’t allow them to steal your votes. They did it in Edo but don’t allow them in Ondo here. Come out on November 16 and vote for PDP.”
Ajayi, who was joined by his running mate Festus Akingbaso, expressed concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
He called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to remove the current Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State.
“We want the Chairman of INEC to redeploy the Ondo REC because she was born and bred in Akure. We do not have confidence in her,” Ajayi said.
Bauchi Governor Mohammed Bala, representing the PDP Governors’ Forum, reassured party members that the leadership crisis within the PDP had been resolved.
He encouraged the people to vote for Ajayi in the upcoming election.
“Ondo State is a place where everyone knows his rights,” Bala declared.
“All 13 governors are behind you. We are one in the PDP; there is no faction. Every responsible person belongs to PDP. We must deliver ourselves from hunger and hardship caused by the APC.”
Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, also spoke at the rally. He urged the people to resist the temptation of vote-selling.
“Don’t sell your votes; this is the beginning of victory in Ondo State,” Makinde said.
He called on INEC to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
“What happened in the Edo election should not happen in Ondo,” he added.
Sam Egwu, representing the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, echoed similar sentiments.
He urged the people to vote and protect their votes fiercely.
“I want you to hold your ground; this state belongs to PDP,” Egwu said.
“We should not allow Nigeria to turn into a one-party state. A one-party system is not a tenet of democracy. This election must be free and fair. The last election in Edo State was a fraud; everyone knows that, and we will not allow that in Ondo State. Make sure you protect your votes.”
The PDP’s campaign launch comes at a crucial time in Nigeria’s political landscape.
As the election date approaches, the party aims to galvanize support and convince voters that they can offer better governance than the ruling APC.
In recent years, Ondo State has faced various challenges, including economic hardship and rising unemployment.
The PDP believes that by unseating the APC, they can bring about positive change and improved living conditions for the people of Ondo State.
The party’s message focuses on transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Many supporters are hopeful that Ajayi’s leadership will provide the fresh perspective needed to address the pressing issues facing the state.
As the campaign unfolds, the PDP plans to reach out to voters through various channels.
They aim to communicate their policies and vision effectively while encouraging citizens to participate actively in the electoral process.
The upcoming gubernatorial election is not just about choosing a new governor; it is a referendum on the current administration’s performance.
Many voters are eager for change and hope that the PDP can offer a viable alternative.
As the political climate heats up, both the PDP and APC will ramp up their campaigns to secure voter support.
