“Ganduje’s Threat to Capture Ondo, South-West Reckless and Threatening” – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, over his statement about the APC’s intentions to “capture” Ondo State and extend its control across the South-West region. The PDP described the remark as reckless and a threat to democracy.

Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, voiced these concerns during an interaction with reporters at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. He emphasized that the word “capture” implies forceful occupation and domination, which is unacceptable in a democratic society.

“The South-West has long been a stronghold of democracy and opposition. For Ganduje to issue such a threat in Ondo is alarming. This kind of rhetoric is reminiscent of events that led to political crises in the past, such as the ‘wetie’ violence in the 1960s and the political unrest in Ondo during the 1983 elections,” Ologunagba said.

He further warned that any attempt by the APC to impose its will on the people of Ondo would be firmly resisted, drawing historical parallels to previous attempts to manipulate the region’s political landscape.

Additionally, the PDP reiterated calls for the redeployment of Ondo’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Toyin Babalola. The party accused her of engaging in partisan activities and aligning too closely with APC leaders, compromising the impartiality of the electoral process. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has also publicly supported the call for her removal.