PDP buries hatchet as embattled Damagum leads Ondo gov campaign

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The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have buried their differences to ensure victory for the party’s governorship candidate in the Ondo State election, Agboola Ajayi.

In off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State slated for November 16, 2024, leaders and elected state governors of the PDP, including Senator Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Engr Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, led by the Acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, campaigned for Ajayi, on Tuesday in Akure, the state capital.

They all made a commitment to bury the hatchet and ensure victory for Ajayi in the crucial governorship election.

The campaign took place on the Oyemekun Road after the state government allegedly denied the PDP access to the M.K.O. Abiola Democracy Park.

Addressing supporters, Damagum urged the electorate to make their voices heard by voting out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He condemned the APC government for exacerbating the country’s economic crisis and driving up the cost of essential goods.

Damagum encouraged the people of Ondo to turn out in large numbers on election day, stating, “This is the time you should pay them with your own coin. You know all these years, you haven’t had good roads. They have brought hunger, but it is time to change them and vote for PDP. We will not condone any injustice. All 13 governors are with you, and we will deliver Ondo to Agboola Ajayi.”

Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, reaffirmed the party’s unity and strength, declaring that the leadership crisis within the PDP has been resolved. He expressed confidence in the party’s ability to challenge the APC’s governance.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, who is also the Chairman of the Ondo State Governorship Campaign Council, called for a massive turnout to support Ajayi in the upcoming election, as noted in a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

However, Governor Makinde demanded the removal of Ondo’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, citing concerns over her alleged bias towards the APC.

Makinde alleged that Babalola’s previous interactions with APC members raised questions about her impartiality.

Despite repeated denials from the REC regarding these allegations, Makinde insisted, “We will protest until she is removed. Bring another REC that will be fair. We are not afraid of a free contest in the state. PDP is ready to deliver for Ajayi, and we will reclaim Ondo State.”

Ajayi, the PDP governorship candidate, expressed optimism about winning the election, emphasizing key areas of focus if elected, including security, electricity, infrastructure, industrialisation, roads, and education.