Ondo PDP, APC bicker over ‘plot to compromise’ governorship election

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo have traded words over an allegation that there is a plan to compromise Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

While the PDP have alleged that APC wants to undermine the poll, the latter said it has no plan to contemplate that because of the hard work it has put in towards winning the election.

In a statement on Tuesday, Kennedy Peretei, spokesperson of the Ondo PDP, alleged that Ade Adetimehin, APC chair in Ondo, has submitted the names of members of his party who will serve as ad hoc officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the polls.

“The entire world is watching and this move by Adetimehin has vindicated our consistent call for the redeployment of Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, who has Adetimehin’s backing in this evil,” he said.

“Our party wishes to admonish all actors to play according to the rule.

“The entire world is watching, and nobody can hide behind one finger.”

Responding, Alex Kalejaye, spokesperson of the APC, said there is no need to compromise the poll because they have campaigned in all the 18 LGAs of the state.

“We are working with the people; we have engaged every segment of society. Our focus is on improving the lives of those who are living in challenging conditions,” Kalejaye said.

“Many projects are underway in the interest of the state’s economic and physical transformation. So, we will continue to appeal to the people.

“Tomorrow, we will hold our grand finale rally, gathering everyone together, and we will send the same message of continuity. However, we will not go to the extent of doing anything unconstitutional just to win an election.

“We have done the work we set out to do, and we are confident that the people are with us. There is no reason to take any improper actions to secure a victory.”

On Saturday, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo and APC candidate, will compete with Agboola Ajayi, PDP candidate, for the state’s highest office.