On Thursday, November 14, a coalition of pro-democracy groups under the Ondo Freedom Movement strongly criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent remarks about Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.
The group accused Wike of undermining the efforts of democratic leaders, particularly Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who is supporting a fair and free electoral process where the people’s votes are respected. In a statement released in Abuja, Ayodele Idowu, the Coordinator of the coalition, condemned Wike’s comments and outlined the contributions of Makinde and other key figures in promoting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi.
Wike had previously said, “I pity my friend Seyi who is there struggling to get a brother in the South West; he is doing all he can, I don’t know how it will work,” which the Ondo Freedom Movement interpreted as an attempt to downplay the efforts to ensure a fair election and strengthen democratic values.
Idowu responded: “Chief Wike’s comments have raised concerns about possible attempts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate the election and undermine the people’s will. Our Movement is ready to resist any such plots.”
The group reaffirmed its full support for Makinde and Ajayi, emphasizing that the upcoming November 16, 2024 election would be a turning point in Ondo’s political history. They promised that the election would signal an end to repression and bring in a leadership genuinely committed to the state’s welfare.
The Ondo Freedom Movement also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the integrity of the election process and warned against any interference or attempts to disrupt the outcome by the APC.
The statement also called on APC candidate Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to reconsider his candidacy, describing his administration as one of the worst in Ondo State’s history. They urged residents to stay peaceful, law-abiding, and vigilant as they cast and protect their votes on election day.
