The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, of making reckless and inappropriate statements.
The PDP made the allegation in a statement on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.
Ologunagba made the submission while reacting to Ganduje’s statement that the APC would capture Ondo State and other southwest states in the coming elections.
Naija News recalls Ganduje made this known on Sunday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, alongside members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC).
Reacting to the position of the APC chairman, Ologunagba said Ganduje’s comments are reckless and threatening, adding that such threats of a forceful takeover would be resisted.
He added that any attempt to impose an unpopular government could lead to a crisis as the people of the southwest would not be enslaved in their own land.
“What Ganduje said about the APC’s plans to ‘capture’ Ondo and the South West is both alarming and inappropriate,” Ologunagba stated.
“The term ‘capture’ implies forceful control or occupation, and we will not accept being enslaved in our own land.”
“Historically, attempts to impose control have led to significant unrest. The ‘wetie’ crisis in the 1960s and the National Party of Nigeria’s (NPN) efforts to impose Akin Omoboriowo as governor in 1983 both serve as reminders of what happens when the will of the people is disregarded.
“Any attempt by the APC to force itself upon the people of Ondo State will be met with strong resistance,” he added.
The PDP also backed the call by Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for the redeployment of the Ondo State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) before the November 16 off-cycle governorship election in the state.
Ologunagba accused the Ondo State REC of collaborating with APC leaders and displaying clear partisan bias.