The Osun State Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, has cautioned the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Umar Ganduje, over remarks he made during a visit to Akure, Ondo State, on Sunday.
Ganduje had expressed confidence that the APC would secure victories in future elections in Oyo and Osun states after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa the winner of the Ondo governorship election.
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Monday, Dr. Odeyemi criticised Ganduje’s comments, describing them as inflammatory and inappropriate, particularly given the widespread economic challenges Nigerians are currently facing under APC’s leadership.
Odeyemi accused the APC of exploiting the poverty of Nigerians to influence election outcomes, alleging that vote-buying was a significant factor in the Ondo election.
“One would have expected Dr. Ganduje to demonstrate better communication skills befitting his position. With the economic challenges Nigerians are facing, who would willingly vote for the APC? Ganduje should not be carried away by what transpired in Ondo State,” Odeyemi remarked.
He further noted that Ganduje’s statement undermined the credibility of free and fair elections in the region, warning against any attempts to replicate such tactics in Oyo or Osun.
Odeyemi urged all political stakeholders to respect the democratic process and voters’ choices, highlighting the political awareness and determination of Osun residents to resist electoral malpractice or intimidation.
“Osun people are wise and peace-loving. Each party must allow voters to decide freely. Ganduje must not turn the Southwest into a war zone. Spoken words carry weight, and 2026 must be crisis-free in Osun,” he asserted.
The NNPP chairman also issued a challenge to Ganduje, urging him to prove the APC’s popularity in his home state rather than focusing on the Southwest. Odeyemi reminded him that the NNPP had previously defeated the APC by a significant margin in his state, questioning his confidence in securing wins elsewhere.
Dr. Odeyemi emphasized the importance of accountability in political leadership, calling on Ganduje to channel his energy into addressing the root causes of Nigeria’s economic challenges rather than making divisive statements.
As Osun gears up for future elections, Odeyemi reiterated the NNPP’s commitment to peaceful and transparent electoral processes, urging all parties to prioritize unity and democracy.
The statement serves as a stark reminder of the need for responsible leadership and dialogue, particularly in a region as politically charged as the Southwest.
