A coalition of pro-democracy groups under the aegis of the Ondo Freedom Movement has blasted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his remarks on Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.
The group accused Wike of undermining the efforts of democratic leaders, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, whose sole aim according to it, is to support a fair electoral process where the people’s votes are respected.
In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, the Coordinator of the group, Ayodele Idowu, outlined the efforts of Makinde and other trusted leaders in promoting the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Agboola Ajayi.
Idowu said the efforts are unsettling the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
“Chief Wike’s recent comments, particularly when he said, ‘I pity my friend Seyi who is there struggling to get a brother in the South West; he is doing all he can, I don’t know how it will work,’ have intensified public concerns about alleged plots by the APC to manipulate the election and subvert the people’s will.
“Our Movement stands ready to resist any such plots,” Idowu stated.
The coalition pledged full support for Makinde and the PDP candidate, Ajayi, stating that the November 16, 2024, election would mark the end of repression and bring in a leadership genuinely committed to Ondo’s welfare.
The Ondo Freedom Movement also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to uphold the integrity of the election process, cautioning against any attempts by the APC to undermine the process.
The statement advised Aiyedatiwa to reconsider his candidacy in light of widespread dissatisfaction, describing his administration as one of the worst in Ondo’s history, urging Ondo State residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and vigilant as they cast and protect their votes.
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