PDP slams Ganduje for threat to ‘take over’ Osun, Oyo

The South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has slammed the All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, over his remarks concerning the forthcoming electoral processes in Osun and Oyo states.

Ganduje, while speaking in Akure on Sunday following the victory of Ondo State Governor and APC candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had said, “Our next target in the South-West geopolitical zone is Osun and Oyo states. You know we are good at hitting our targets. We will do whatever is necessary to bring them into the fold so that we can gain more political opportunity in the South-West.”

In response to this statement, the PDP South-West Executive Council, following a three-day meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Thursday, asked President Bola Tinubu to caution Ganduje over what it described as “incendiary comments.”

In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti, the PDP Zonal Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, said, “The PDP urges President Bola Tinubu to rein in the unwarranted threats made by APC National Chairman Ganduje to manipulate the electoral process in Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo states, using the APC’s trademark of rigging.”

“We affirm, without equivocation, that Ganduje lacks the moral authority to speak on matters of credibility or democracy,” Atofarati added.

The South-West PDP also expressed its disappointment in the Independent National Electoral Commission over what it termed the poor conduct of the Ondo governorship election.

The party highlighted alleged defects in the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and delays in the arrival of election materials in PDP strongholds.

The party has urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate claims of misconduct by security personnel during the Ondo election and to ensure the prosecution of those found culpable of malpractice.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police to uphold the integrity of his office by investigating these allegations and ensuring that those responsible face justice,” Atofarati said.

The PDP commended the efforts of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the party’s national leadership for their support before, during, and after the Ondo election.

The party further urged its members to remain law-abiding despite alleged intimidation, assuring that it would explore all legal avenues to seek justice.

“As a party established by law, we will continue to work with our legal team while pursuing justice through the appropriate channels. We also urge our members to remain peaceful and committed to democratic principles,” Atofarati stated.