Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has taken the lead in the campaign for Agboola Ajayi, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, promising better days and total liberation for the state’s citizens.
During a campaign tour across the Akoko regions, including Akoko North-West and Akoko North-East Local Government Areas, Makinde emphasized that Ajayi would not disappoint the electorate if elected in the upcoming November 16 election. The campaign trail saw leaders from both Oyo and Ondo states visiting various towns and villages, as well as traditional palaces, including those of the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh, and the Owa of Ogbagi, Oba Victor Adetona.
In his remarks, Governor Makinde underscored the significance of the upcoming election, framing it as a liberation for the people of Ondo State. He asserted, “Once there is security, every other thing will fall in place. Insecurity will be a thing of the past once Ajayi is elected as governor.” He also pledged to ensure traditional rulers have a prominent role in Ajayi’s administration, stating, “We will do everything to ensure victory in the election.”
AJAYI PLEDGES TO INCLUDE TRADITIONAL RULERS IN GOVERNANCE
Agboola Ajayi, the PDP candidate and former deputy governor of Ondo State, echoed Makinde’s sentiments and committed to including traditional rulers in governance. He promised that first-class Obas would become part of the cash allocation committee and would participate in security and contract verification exercises.
Ajayi urged traditional rulers to encourage their subjects to maintain peace during the electoral process, stating, “We don’t want a crisis in Ondo State; the crisis of 1983 is still fresh in our minds.” He emphasized the importance of resisting electoral violence and rigging, assuring the traditional leaders that his administration would empower them to address security challenges in their communities.
He concluded by appealing to the traditional rulers, saying, “Help talk to our people not to cause trouble before, during, and after the election,” reinforcing his commitment to a peaceful electoral process.