In the lead-up to the gubernatorial election in Ondo State, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, along with leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West region, has ramped up efforts to bolster the campaign of the party’s candidate, Agboola Ajayi. As part of their strategy, Adeleke and the PDP team have been actively engaging communities across Ondo State, including areas like Bolorunduro and Owo, to rally support for Ajayi. According to the PDP South-West Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, their campaign has extended to various locales, such as local markets and royal palaces, aiming to connect directly with voters and address their concerns.
The campaign appearances have generated notably positive feedback, with locals expressing a strong determination to support the PDP candidate in the upcoming election. Atofarati emphasized that the prevailing sentiment among the electorate reflects dissatisfaction with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governance under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The PDP’s narrative highlights their previous governance achievements, asserting that tangible projects initiated during their administration have significantly benefited the people of Ondo State. This contrasts sharply with the current administration, which the PDP claims has not delivered substantial progress, leading to widespread discontent among the populace.
Atofarati further stressed that the campaign efforts are not merely about party politics, but fundamentally about improving the welfare of the people in Ondo State, who are facing considerable struggles. The PDP believes that this growing awareness among residents regarding their plight and the perceived failures of the APC government will motivate a shift in power during the election. By recounting the historical accomplishments of the PDP in the state, the party aims to remind voters of what they stand to regain by voting for Ajayi.
Conversely, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, has dismissed the PDP’s campaign efforts as a mere “jamboree,” predicting that they will ultimately yield no success in the election. Akinlosotu contended that Aiyedatiwa enjoys strong support among the populace, asserting that his administration’s projects resonate positively with the citizens. This underscores a contrasting narrative, where the APC highlights its own achievements while undermining the PDP’s previous governance. The commissioner argues that the present government’s initiatives are well-received and that Aiyedatiwa’s leadership has gained significant traction among Ondo State’s electorate.
Atofarati’s assertions suggest that there is a palpable tension between the PDP and APC, with each party underscoring their respective claims to governance and community support. The PDP insists that the people of Ondo State are ready for change, driven by the economic struggles they face and the perceived incompetency of their current leaders. Alternatively, the APC reframes the election as a referendum on Aiyedatiwa’s ongoing projects and the stability that continuity of governance represents. This political climate highlights broader themes of accountability, governance success, and the pressing need for change as perceived by the electorate in Ondo State.
As the election date approaches, both parties are intensifying their outreach and messaging to galvanize support among the electorate. For the PDP, the focus remains on articulating a vision grounded in past accomplishments while addressing current grievances. In contrast, the APC is working to consolidate its base by promoting the effectiveness of Aiyedatiwa’s administration and presenting a narrative of ongoing improvement and progress. The outcome of the election will ultimately provide a clearer picture of the electorate’s priorities and the degree of change they seek in the governance of Ondo State.
