PDP’s umbrella shredded in Ondo, party’s bigwigs now with APC: Aiyedatiwa

Ondo State governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party doesn’t have what it has no cause to win the November 16, 2024 off-cycle governorship in the state.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the governorship election, stated this during his campaign tour to Ese Odo Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.

The governor said many chieftains of the PDP, who are to pull support for the opposition party, had defected to the ruling APC in the state ahead of the election.

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He added that the PDP no longer existed in the state, stating that the party’s umbrella had been torn into shreds.

Describing their presence in the APC as a booster ahead of the election, Mr Aiyedatiwa said the people should ensure they troop out to return him as governor.

The governor said, “I want you to use your votes to chase away other political parties. As you know, all the gladiators in the PDP are now with us. We have torn the umbrella of the main opposition party into shreds. In this coming election, your vote must be for the APC.’’

Earlier at Igbobini, Mr Aiyedatiwa, who met a crowd of supporters, appreciated them for their support and steadfastness, noting that their loyalty continued to make the ruling party stronger in the state.

He explained that the administration had invested heavily in education, health, and construction of good roads and infrastructures, adding that his government would continue to initiate more developmental projects across the state if elected as governor.

He solicited the support of the people, urging them to troop out en-masse by ensuring they exercise their franchise without fear, asking his supporters not to relent in their house-to-house campaign for his victory in the election.

The governor said, “I want to thank you for your patience, as we gathered here today. I salute your love, unity, and support for us and the party. I’ll reciprocate this gesture after the election. No doubt, we have initiated many projects, and we will do more. Our roads, schools, and hospitals are receiving attention. We have also ensured there is security in the state. We are also employing more teachers in the school. So, come November 16, you must troop out en mass and vote for our party (APC) in the election.’’

The governor also visited Igbotu, Bolowu, Kiribo, where he met with the traditional rulers in the communities to seek their support ahead of the election.

He also warned his supporters against voting for other political parties while emphasizing that such votes could jeopardize the continuity of development efforts in the state.

Receiving the governor, the Anananawe of Bolowou, (Pere) Judge Ugulapelewei Jemine, expressed happiness for the governor’s dedication to development across the state.

Mr Jemine, who commended the governor for his inclusive governance, identified some pressing needs that require the government’s urgent attention, especially in the areas of education and healthcare in their domain.

He said, “We need the renovation of our public schools to ensure our children learn in a conducive environment. The approval of additional secondary schools is crucial, as many of our children currently have to travel far to get an education. Our people deserve better access to quality healthcare. We need more healthcare facilities and improvement in the existing ones to meet the growing demands of our communities. The sea incursion is already spreading into other communities, and if nothing is done, some of these communities will be wiped off the map. We appeal to the government to take swift action so our people do not go into extinction.’’