The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has reaffirmed its determination to resist any forms of intimidation in the forthcoming November 16 governorship election.
Speaking at a PDP youth programme on Monday, governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, assured party faithful that their votes would count, despite alleged plans to harass the opposition, according to the PUNCH.
“We will not be deterred by intimidation tactics,” Ajayi said. “The people of Ondo State are eager for change, and we will ensure their voices are heard through the ballot.”
Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Director General of the PDP Campaign Council, emphasized the party’s commitment to mobilizing support across the state.
“Our message of hope and positive change resonates with the people,” Olafeso stated. “We will expose the failings of the APC-led government and offer a better alternative.”
Ondo PDP Youth Leader Daudu Babatunde praised the campaign council’s efforts to re-engage youths ahead of the election.
“This election is crucial in restoring Ondo State’s glory,” Babatunde said. “We will mobilize our members to reject the APC’s mis governance.”
The PDP’s resolve comes amidst concerns over potential election interference. The party has vowed to protect its supporters’ rights and ensure a free and fair electoral process.
The November 16 governorship election is expected to be a closely contested race between the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress.
“We have seen signal; we have seen their plans but we are not scared of any intimidation. People will go out and vote; we are not scared of anybody once the youth conduct themselves in a civilised manner. You can’t take away their right to cast their votes for whoever they want to vote for.
“I have advised them that they must not allow any reflection to frustrate them and they must conquer poverty through their votes. When they do that, the chains of poverty will be cut off. We are prepared for them; we are ready for them. We will resist any act of intimidation,” Ajayi said.
“Our party is back better; no matter what anybody is saying. You can see the cohesion and the steadiness with which we are approaching the campaign. Soon, we will be visiting all units, and wards in the 18 local government areas of the state.
“Our message is simple: Nigerians should expect that hope is on the way. The poverty we are all going through has been self-inflicted on Nigerians by the APC government for the past nine years. It’s going from bad to worse.
“People can no longer pay school fees, people are dropping out of schools and businesses are not thriving. Even the palliative given by the president is stolen in Ondo State. Nobody is seeing anything. Over N100 billion received as allocation by the state has not been able to do anything by the government,” Olafeso stated.
