The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong rebuke to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, accusing him of planning to replicate the controversial tactics used in the recent Edo State governorship election in the upcoming Ondo and Anambra elections.
Ganduje, a former Governor of Kano State, made remarks on Monday during a celebration of Senator Monday Okpebholo’s win, where he suggested that the APC would use similar strategies in future elections in states like Ondo and Anambra, currently governed by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Reacting to Ganduje’s comments, the PDP, through a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, strongly criticized the APC chairman and warned against any attempt to manipulate the electoral process in Ondo State.
Peretei stated: “The entire world was not only embarrassed but ashamed of what Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s sham of an election in Edo on September 21, 2024, revealed.”
He continued, “The PDP believes that many Nigerians, both at home and abroad, are beginning to lose faith in the country’s democracy, especially when key figures like Ganduje openly suggest that votes will not count as long as they hold power.”
Peretei further warned, “Ondo is not a state where intimidation will be tolerated. Our people are enlightened and resilient. When the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) attempted to subvert the will of the people in 1979, the citizens of Ondo stood their ground. That tradition remains strong.”
The statement also criticized Ganduje for boasting about the APC’s electoral victories, which the PDP believes were rigged, calling it an insult to the democratic process.
Peretei concluded by affirming that any attempt to undermine democracy in Ondo State would be met with strong resistance, as the people remain committed to defending their rights.