Ajayi Unveils 7-Point Agenda as Party Launches Campaign
Makinde Calls for REC’s Redeployment, Urges Voters Against Vote-Selling
By Dayo Johnson
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially launched its campaign for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State yesterday, with party leaders expressing confidence in their ability to take control of the state from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde urged voters to resist selling their votes and called for the redeployment of the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Toyin Babalola, to ensure impartiality in the electoral process.
Makinde emphasized the importance of voting for the PDP candidate, Agboola Ajayi, stating, “He will bring about the change you have been yearning for. This marks the beginning of a new dawn for the PDP in Ondo State. Do not sell your votes; reject the moneybags who seek to buy your conscience. We must remember the hardships of the past seven years and choose Agboola, the PDP candidate.”
He reflected on the consequences of vote-buying, stating, “We cannot allow you to suffer for another four years in Ondo State. Look at the dividends of democracy in Oyo, Osun, and other PDP states in Nigeria.”
Makinde also directed a message to the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, demanding the removal of Babalola due to alleged bias and connections to an interested party in the election.
“This message is for INEC National Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood: you must redeploy Ondo REC, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola. We will protest until she is removed. She cannot be impartial in this election given her background and ties to the area. We do not want her in Ondo State—Babalola must go.”
He added, “What happened in Edo will not happen in Ondo. We will continue to protest until she is removed. Bring in a new REC who will ensure a fair playing field. The PDP is not afraid of any contest.”
Adeleke and Damagum Speak
Senator Ademola Adeleke, Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for the Ondo State election, characterized the campaign kickoff as the end of an era of darkness for Ondo State. He promised that the people would soon witness significant improvements across various sectors.
Adeleke criticized the APC administration for regressing the state, urging voters to reject the party at the polls.
“I must say that the era of darkness is over in Osun, and I welcome Ondo and its people to the light. Light illuminates and transforms, and we are here to celebrate the beginning of the transformation of Ondo,” he stated.
The Osun State Governor expressed confidence that the PDP would win the governorship election and bring about unprecedented development, highlighting that the people have experienced the shortcomings of the APC government.
He urged PDP members to fully support the campaign council and strive for the party’s success in the upcoming election.
PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum also called for the redeployment of Babalola and emphasized the party’s commitment to defending their votes at all costs. He remarked, “There are no good roads or infrastructure in Ondo.
“This is your opportunity to change the narrative. There is suffering, hardship, and poverty, and we are dedicated to protecting our people. We will work to alleviate their struggles.
“We will enhance security in the state, create employment opportunities, and reduce criminal activities both in Ondo and across the country,” he stated.
Ajayi Unveils 7-Point Agenda
PDP flag bearer Agboola Ajayi outlined his seven-point agenda, focusing on key areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and overall development. He stated: “We will enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies, particularly Amotekun, Forest Guards, Vigilantes, and Traditional Hunters, through advanced training and the provision of necessary equipment.
“Through collaborative engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders, we will implement community policing and neighborhood watch programs to improve public safety.
“We will significantly boost food production to combat hunger in the state by purchasing and distributing high-yield seeds, seedlings, and inputs to farmers.
“We will expand and improve classrooms and facilities in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across the state. Our commitment includes ensuring free and compulsory education at the primary and junior secondary levels for all students.”
Ajayi also emphasized that his administration would establish a primary health center in each of the 203 wards, staffed by trained and dedicated medical personnel, providing essential medicines, hospital supplies, and laboratory services to patients at affordable costs.