PDP will take Ondo in forthcoming polls – Adeleke

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) launched its campaign for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State yesterday, with party leaders confident of unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde urged voters to avoid selling their votes and called for the redeployment of the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Toyin Babalola, to ensure neutrality in the electoral process. He encouraged the people of Ondo to support PDP candidate Agboola Ajayi, promising that he would bring the change they desire. Makinde highlighted the importance of rejecting vote-buying, reflecting on the hardships faced over the past seven years, and emphasized the need to vote for a candidate who can bring real progress.

He issued a strong message to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, demanding the removal of Babalola due to alleged bias. Makinde threatened protests until she is replaced, asserting that her local ties would compromise her impartiality.

Senator Ademola Adeleke, Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for the Ondo election, marked the campaign’s launch as a turning point for the state, promising significant changes and improvements in various sectors. He criticized the APC government for regressing Ondo State and urged voters to reject them at the polls.

Adeleke expressed confidence in the PDP’s chances for victory, highlighting the poor performance of the APC administration. He called on party members to rally behind the campaign.

PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum echoed the call for Babalola’s redeployment, emphasizing the need for change to alleviate suffering and poverty in the state. He pledged to enhance security, create jobs, and improve infrastructure.

Agboola Ajayi, the PDP governorship candidate, outlined his seven-point agenda, which focuses on infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and educational development. He promised to strengthen law enforcement, boost agricultural production, and ensure free education at primary and junior secondary levels. Ajayi also committed to providing primary health centers in each ward, staffed with qualified medical personnel, to improve healthcare access and affordability.