PDP criticizes Ganduje’s reckless threat to capture Ondo and the South-West
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong rebuke in response to comments made by Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ganduje claimed that the APC would “capture” Ondo State and, by extension, the entire South West region. The PDP described these remarks as reckless and alarming, raising concerns about the implications behind the choice of words.
Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, expressed these concerns during an interaction with journalists at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. He emphasized that Ganduje’s statement was not just a casual remark but one that carries a threatening tone, particularly by using the word “capture.” According to Ologunagba, the word implies the use of force, domination, and even enslavement, which he noted is unacceptable in a democratic society.
Ologunagba further explained that the South West region has historically been a stronghold for opposition politics and democratic values. For the APC to make such claims about “capturing” the region, particularly Ondo State, is troubling, he said. He warned that similar rhetoric had contributed to political unrest in Nigeria’s past, making such statements particularly dangerous.
He drew attention to past political crises, notably the collapse of the First Republic in the 1960s, which was partly driven by violence and political manipulation. Ologunagba also mentioned the 1983 political unrest in Ondo State, when the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) attempted to install Akin Omoboriowo as governor through undemocratic means. According to Ologunagba, the echoes of these historical events make Ganduje’s comments especially concerning.
The PDP spokesperson warned that any attempt by the APC to forcibly impose its will on the people of Ondo State would be met with firm resistance. He stressed that the people would not allow history to repeat itself, particularly when it comes to attempts to undermine democratic principles and local autonomy.
Additionally, the PDP reiterated the call from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for the immediate removal of Ondo State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Toyin Babalola. The party accused her of bias and too close an association with APC leaders, which they believe undermines the credibility of the electoral process in the state.
