Sam Philip
In reaction to the call by Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) for the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner(REC) of Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, before the November 16 gubernatorial election, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State expressed shocked at this demand .
A statement by the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Alex Kalejaye on Wednesday, said APC was a shocked at a statement credited to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
The statement reads “The State chapter wishes to remind the governor that neither Ondo State nor the electoral body is an appendage of his empire, where he rules as an administrator.
“The party notes that the electoral officer has, since assumption of office, demonstrated integrity, competence and capacity to handle any election.
“We find it extremely ludicrous that Makinde will give a directive in such manner, when he didn’t influence the transfer of Mrs. Omobolanle to Ondo State, neither is he a player on the political space of the State.
“The State chapter also considered as insulting the unsolicited advice to our people, not to sell their conscience. It is a popular fact that Ondo people are politically sophisticated entity that always act out of conviction; they are not as cheap as being branded by Mr. Makinde.
“The party wishes to inform Oyo State Governor that Ondo APC has unbeatable structures across the State, that are capable of defeating any party in any election. Besides, the recent defection of notable political giants from his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has further fortified the chances of APC in November.
“It is therefore clear that our party won’t need to indulge in those undemocratic gymnastics employed by the PDP to win Oyo for Makinde in 2019. Fear not, Mr. Governor.
“Our counsel to the governor is to focus on the myriad of problems currently facing Oyo State. It is sad that Oyo State is being run as a conquered territory, where the degree of capital flight is second to no other in the country.
“The party commends it’s members for their unwavering belief in the party, and urged them to exhibit maturity and decorum as the continue to solicit for a renewal of the people’s mandate, come November, 16th.”