Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State. His comments come in response to statements made by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, who claimed that the APC would soon dominate the South West states, starting with the upcoming Ondo election.
Speaking in Ikare Akoko, the headquarters of Akoko North-East Local Government Area, Makinde asserted that both Ganduje and Ondo State’s acting governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, would be surprised by the election results. He emphasized the PDP’s continued vibrancy in Ondo State, stating, “Look at the crowd, look at the enthusiasm here in Akoko.” He predicted that the people would demonstrate their support for the PDP on election day.
Addressing Aiyedatiwa’s claim that the PDP is dead in the state, Makinde countered, “Talk is cheap. You can say whatever you like, but the people of Ondo State will speak loud and clear on November 16.” He boldly declared that Agboola Ajayi, the PDP candidate, would be announced as the governor-elect, reflecting the will of the people.
During the campaign, Makinde visited various towns and villages in Akoko North-West and Akoko North-East, engaging with traditional rulers such as the Olukare of Ikare and the Owa Ale of Ikare Akoko. He assured them that Ajayi would actively involve traditional leadership in his administration, enhancing governance in the region.
Ajayi welcomed several defectors from the APC and the Zenith Labour Party to the PDP during the campaign, promising improved governance, particularly in education, healthcare, and security. He urged voters to safeguard their ballots and resist any attempts at rigging, stressing the importance of a peaceful election process.
Emphasising the need for stability, Ajayi recalled the violent elections of 1983 and urged traditional rulers to encourage their subjects to avoid conflicts. He pledged that traditional leaders would play a significant role in approving government projects and addressing security challenges in the Akoko area.
