The Peoples Democratic Party South-West chapter has criticized the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, following his recent remarks about the party’s plans to take control of Osun and Oyo States in the upcoming elections.
Ganduje made the statement during a speech in Akure after the victory of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. He indicated that Osun and Oyo were the next targets for the APC in the South-West, emphasizing that the party would do whatever was necessary to bring these states into its fold.
Ganduje had said, “Our next target in the South-West geopolitical zone is Osun and Oyo states.
“You know we are good at hitting our targets. We will do whatever is necessary to bring them into the fold so that we can gain more political opportunity in the South-West.”
In response, the PDP South-West Executive Council issued a statement after a three-day meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, calling on President Bola Tinubu to caution Ganduje over his comments. The PDP accused the APC leader of attempting to manipulate the electoral processes in Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo states, alleging that the APC had a history of rigging elections in the region.
The PDP also expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Ondo governorship election, particularly criticizing the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the delays in the delivery of election materials to areas that were strongholds of the PDP.
Furthermore, the party urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate allegations of misconduct by security personnel during the Ondo election and ensure that those responsible for any irregularities are held accountable.
In the statement issued in Ado Ekiti, the PDP Zonal Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, said: “The PDP urges President Bola Tinubu to rein in the unwarranted threats made by APC National Chairman Ganduje to manipulate the electoral process in Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo states, using the APC’s trademark of rigging.
“We affirm, without equivocation, that Ganduje lacks the moral authority to speak on matters of credibility or democracy.
“We call on the Inspector General of Police to uphold the integrity of his office by investigating these allegations and ensuring that those responsible face justice.
” As a party established by law, we will continue to work with our legal team while pursuing justice through the appropriate channels. We also urge our members to remain peaceful and committed to democratic principles,” Atofarati stated.
