PDP Warns Ganduje to Stay Away from Ondo

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) issued a stern warning to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, urging them to steer clear of Ondo State. The PDP cautioned that the APC should not become overconfident after their recent victory in Edo State, emphasizing that the South West cannot be bought or captured.

This warning was articulated by PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba during a media briefing at the party’s secretariat in Abuja. His remarks were in response to comments made by APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who declared in Akure, Ondo State’s capital, that the APC intends to win all six states in the South West region.

Ganduje made this statement at a meeting attended by key APC figures, including Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji, as they prepared for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo, where Aiyedatiwa is the APC candidate.

Currently, the APC governs Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, and Ogun out of the six South West states, while the PDP controls Oyo and Osun. Ologunagba condemned Ganduje’s remarks as “reckless and irresponsible,” warning that they reflect a broader trend toward totalitarianism and a one-party state.

He stated, “This is a warning. The people of the South West have a rich history and are politically aware. They know what they want. History shows that the South West has always been a stronghold for democratic rights.”

Ologunagba continued, “For Ganduje to make such reckless statements in Ondo State is a cause for concern for Nigerians and the international community. He poses a threat to democracy and should be wary of the West, as he could be declared ‘persona non grata’ for this behavior. The APC must stay away from Ondo State.”

He asserted that the upcoming election in Ondo is a distinct scenario, with the people ready to support the PDP. “They cannot be intimidated or silenced about their beliefs. The APC should tread carefully, as we do not take threats lightly. We have never been captured, and we are not prisoners.”