Ahead of the Ondo State governorship election, Vice President Kashim Shettima, joined by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and several APC governors, held a major rally in Akure on Wednesday.
The gathering, designed to energize support for the APC’s candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, took place at MKO Abiola Democracy Park and attracted a large crowd of supporters.
Vice President Shettima urged Ondo citizens to vote for continuity by supporting Aiyedatiwa in the upcoming election. He stated, “In just a few days, you will have your chance to show the love you have for the governance of Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
So I urge you to come out en masse and cast your vote for the APC.” Ganduje, officially presenting the APC flag to Aiyedatiwa, reiterated that the candidate represented progress and stability for Ondo State. “Voting for him is voting for unity and political uniformity in the South West,” Ganduje said.
However, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged the APC, arguing that their leadership represents a return to better governance. PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, rejected Shettima’s description of the party as “reactionary,” asserting that the APC’s administration has led to hardship.
Tensions between the two parties escalated as reports emerged of clashes between APC and PDP supporters in Idanre, Ondo. Local reports indicate at least six people were injured, and the Ondo State Police Command has since launched an investigation.
Commissioner of Police Abayomi Peter Oladipo has directed efforts to maintain peace, stating that law enforcement would adopt a “zero tolerance” approach to electoral violence.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to assure voters of a fair process. Despite calls by the PDP to remove Ondo’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, over alleged bias, INEC maintains its support for her neutrality. According to INEC, Babalola has no political affiliations, and the PDP has not provided any proof of bias.
The election, scheduled for Saturday, will be monitored by a large contingent of security personnel, as the Inspector General of Police confirmed the deployment of over 34,000 officers to ensure safety at polling stations.
