PDP Condemns Ganduje’s Remarks on Capturing Ondo, Southwest

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized recent statements by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, regarding the APC’s plan to take control of Ondo State and the broader Southwest region.

In a statement issued on Monday by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the opposition party described Ganduje’s comments as reckless and threatening, warning that they could provoke unrest.

Ologunagba expressed concern over Ganduje’s remarks, emphasizing that the Southwest has historically been a bastion of opposition and democratic resistance.

“Ganduje’s declaration about the APC’s intention to ‘capture’ Ondo and the Southwest is alarming and inappropriate,” Ologunagba said.

“The word ‘capture’ suggests the use of force, and we will not allow our people to be subjugated in their own land.”

He warned that history has shown the consequences of trying to suppress the will of the people in the Southwest, referencing key events from the past.

“Attempts to impose control in the region have led to serious unrest, such as the ‘wetie’ crisis of the 1960s and the violent fallout from the National Party of Nigeria’s (NPN) attempt to install Akin Omoboriowo as governor in 1983,” Ologunagba added.

“Any attempt by the APC to force itself upon the people of Ondo State will be fiercely resisted.”

The PDP also reiterated Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for the redeployment of the Ondo State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), accusing the official of partisanship.

“The Ondo REC has demonstrated clear bias by colluding with APC leaders, compromising the neutrality expected of electoral officials,” the PDP statement alleged.

The PDP vowed to defend the democratic rights of the people of the Southwest, urging Ganduje and the APC to respect the principles of free and fair elections.