In the lead-up to the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, a former deputy governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has made strong commitments to enhance state security if elected. Ajayi has specifically highlighted the need to reinforce the state security network agency, known as Amotekun, in order to combat rising criminal activities, particularly in rural areas where kidnapping and banditry have become significant concerns. During his campaign tour, which included visits to communities such as Iju and Ita-Ogbolu in Akure North Local Government Area, Ajayi expressed his deep concern over the current state of affairs in Ondo, vowing to implement comprehensive changes should he assume office.
Ajayi’s security proposal includes the establishment of a forest guard unit that would work in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps throughout the state’s forests. He believes that enhancing security will not only lead to the eradication of kidnapping but also restore confidence among local farmers, enabling them to return to their fields without fear. His commitment reflects his personal involvement in the creation of Amotekun, which provides him with unique insights on how to reshape and strengthen it to effectively address these security issues. Ajayi’s focus on rural safety is aimed at ensuring that agricultural productivity can thrive unimpeded by criminal activities that threaten the livelihood of farmers and the overall economy of the state.
Expressing a broader vision for governance, Ajayi articulated plans to enact policies that foster the development of Ondo State, promising transformative changes within a short time frame of ten months. He criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for perceived failures that have led to hardship among citizens and catalyzed hunger across the nation. Ajayi underscored the urgency of electing new leadership under the PDP as a solution to the state’s woes, underscoring his readiness to implement programs to address education, employment, and security swiftly upon taking office.
In terms of educational reforms, Ajayi pledged to ensure free and affordable education, alongside a commitment to hire additional teachers. He contrasted his approach with that of the current governor, whom he accused of misusing security votes. Ajayi suggested that he could effectively operate with a fraction of the monthly N1.2 billion allocated for security, reallocating funds to create employment opportunities for youth. He asserted that by addressing unemployment, the state would be taking significant steps toward reducing crime and enhancing public safety, thereby fostering a more stable and secure environment for residents.
The campaign took a participatory nature through the involvement of the PDP Campaign Organisation, which underlined the importance of civic engagement in the electoral process. Engnr. Clement Faboyede, the Director-General of the campaign, urged residents to prioritize acquiring their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in order to effectively wield their voting power on election day. Faboyede emphasized that the November 16 election represented residents’ opportunity to displace the ruling APC and bring about much-needed change. His message resonated with the core theme of collective action and empowerment among voters, reminding them of their ability to influence the political landscape through their participation in the electoral process.
As the election approaches, the narratives driven by Ajayi’s campaign highlight a growing urgency among constituents in Ondo State. A strong emphasis is placed on security, agricultural productivity, employment generation, and educational reforms as essential components of Ajayi’s platform. The stark contrasts drawn between the PDP’s approach to governance and that of the APC resonate with an electorate eager for improvement. Ajayi’s commitment to reshaping the state’s security apparatus and fostering socio-economic development reflects a broader desire for change within Ondo State, potentially signaling a pivotal moment in its political history. With the community’s support and increased awareness of their electoral power, Ajayi’s campaign seeks to galvanize voter turnout and deliver a clear message in favor of progressive governance on election day.
