The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, for his recent statement about ‘capturing’ Ondo State and the entire South West.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described Ganduje’s comments as “reckless and threatening” during a press briefing at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. He emphasized that the term “capture” implies a forceful occupation and warned against any attempts to impose control over the region.
Ologunagba stated, “The South-West has always been the bastion of opposition and democracy. Ganduje’s threat is worrisome and reminiscent of historical attempts to dominate the region, which led to political crises in the past.”
He drew parallels to past political upheavals, citing the ‘wetie’ crisis of the 1960s and the controversies surrounding the National Party of Nigeria in the 1983 elections. “Any attempt by the APC to force itself upon the people of Ondo State will be resisted by the people,” he asserted.
Additionally, the PDP reiterated calls from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for the redeployment of Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mrs. Toyin Babalola. Ologunagba accused her of showing partisanship and colluding with APC members, raising concerns about her impartiality in the electoral process.