The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has vowed to stand firm against any form of intimidation during the governorship election scheduled for November 16, 2024. This pledge comes in response to alleged plans by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to harass opposition parties in the state.
Speaking during a youth engagement event in Akure, the state capital, the PDP’s governorship candidate, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, assured party supporters that they should not fear any attempts to interfere with the electoral process. He highlighted the determination of the PDP to ensure a free and fair election, despite the signals they had received about possible intimidation tactics.
Ajayi said, “We have seen signal; we have seen their plans but we are not scared of any intimidation. People will go out and vote; we are not scared of anybody once our youths conduct themselves in a civilised manner. You can’t take away their rights to cast their votes for whoever they want to vote for.”
Ajayi encouraged the youth to remain resilient and not allow themselves to be discouraged by any negative developments. He further emphasized that through voting, they had the power to break the cycle of poverty that had plagued many in the state. “We are prepared for them; we are ready for them. We will resist any act of intimidation,” Ajayi affirmed.
He noted that young people in Ondo were already frustrated by the current situation in the country and eager to express their dissatisfaction through the ballot box. Ajayi described this frustration as a positive force for change, urging the youth to vote and defend their votes, saying, “People are waiting for the PDP. We will support the youth. Don’t be intimidated; the state belongs to all of us.”
Dr. Eddy Olafeso, the Director General of the PDP Campaign Council, echoed Ajayi’s sentiments, emphasizing the party’s readiness to engage every community in the state. Olafeso said that the PDP had strong organizational structures in all 18 local government areas and that the party was focused on offering a message of hope.
“Our message is simple: Nigerians should expect that hope is on the way. The poverty we are all going through has been inflicted on us by the APC government for the past nine years,” Olafeso said, further criticizing the APC for the state of the economy, rising poverty, and other social issues. He accused the state government of mishandling resources, stating that the palliative measures from the President were “stolen” in Ondo State, with no positive impact on the people.
Meanwhile, Daudu Babatunde, the PDP Youth Leader in the state, praised the party’s leadership for galvanizing the youth in preparation for the election. He called on young voters to unite against the APC and take advantage of the opportunity to bring change.
“We are ready to silence the APC government through a voting protest on November 16. We want to put smiles on the masses so that our sun can shine again,” Babatunde stated, calling for unity among the youth to help restore the state’s former glory.
