…Southwest leaders move to unite aggrieved party leaders, members
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will reclaim Ondo State from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 2024 governorship election.
Hosting leaders of the party from the Southwest geopolitical zone, who converged on Ibadan to kick-start the process of reconciling PDP leaders and members in Ondo State, Governor Makinde noted that the PDP family had begun to speak with one voice and that the PDP governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi and other parties would team up to ensure that the party have a strong showing at the governorship poll.
The governor, who stated this when he hosted all PDP leaders and stakeholders across the six Southwest States, saying all the Southwest States are behind the Ondo PDP candidate, noted, “Our candidate, Agboola Ajayi is here and the first step forward for us is to reconcile all the tendencies in Ondo State.
“This is because once we have a unified PDP in Ondo State, we have a path to the Alagbaka Government House. To God be the glory, we have spoken as one family. Our candidate has also been able to key into that process.
“So, for us, people should expect a very strong showing from the PDP in Ondo State in November by the grace of God. With our leaders from across the Southwest standing behind our candidates in the state, I think it is a strong signal to the present occupier of the Ondo Government House. The PDP is coming and it will happen.”
Similarly, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, said the Southwest PDP came together to deliberate on the affairs of the party regarding the forthcoming election in Ondo State.
He added that the Southwest PDP leaders congratulated Ajayi, who won the party primary in a transparent process that showed that the PDP is a democratic party that follows due process.
Governor Adeleke said, “As you can see, everyone is happy as it is a family affair. We came over to Oyo State to meet with our brother, Governor Seyi Makinde, to deliberate on the PDP affairs as touching Ondo State.
“Of course, we congratulate our brother, Agboola, who won the primary, which went very well. Everybody now knows that PDP is a democratic party because we followed due process.
“We also want to begin the reconciliation process, because we know some people are upset and we believe our leaders will go back home to bring everybody together. Even Governor Makinde and I would be invited to Akure to see how we can move forward in the state ahead of the election in November.”
Also speaking, the PDP governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, thanked Governors Makinde and Adeleke as well as the PDP leaders for their support ahead of the election.
He described the PDP as a formidable party in Ondo State, stating that all PDP members are one family and that they will deliver the State to the PDP fold in the November governorship election.
“The leaders have spoken. They are leading and we will follow. I thank them for their massive support, especially the two South West governors; Governors Seyi Makinde and Adeleke.
“They have been of tremendous support and encouragement for the party in the states, particularly as it affects the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State. I thank all of them. By the grace of God, I believe victory is ours.
“PDP is very formidable. All of us are here because we believe this is one family and we are going to deliver. Victory is certain for us in the next election,” Ajayi said.
BusinessDay reports that the meeting had in attendance former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko; 2023 PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, and a former PDP governorship candidate in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede.
Also in attendance were former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Olabode George; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; and Southwest Chairman of the PDP, Kamoru Ajisafe, among others.
