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Ondo 2024: Fadaka slams APC over vote-buying, violence

Former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West, Ayo Fadaka, has raised concerns about the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the lead-up to the Ondo State Governorship Election. Fadaka, a prominent PDP chieftain in Ondo State, accused the ruling party of deploying thugs and resorting to vote-buying tactics in a bid to secure victory.In a statement released on Friday, Fadaka alleged that the APC had imported a group of violent elements disguised as transport union members into the state, aiming to intimidate voters and disrupt the election process. He cited instances of attacks on PDP members, particularly in Idanre and other parts of the state, and warned that the APC’s actions are designed to suppress voter turnout and undermine the fairness of the election."The APC has brought in an army of invasion, made up of thugs and criminals, to terrorize innocent residents of Ondo State, preventing them from exercising their right to vote freely," Fadaka stated. He accused the ruling party of following its usual undemocratic playbook by engaging in vote-buying and electoral malpractice.Fadaka commended the efforts of the Joint Action Council on Democratic Governance (JACODEG), a civil society group, for exposing what he described as the APC’s "Dibo ko sebe" (vote-for-food) strategy. He called on election observers to speak out against the ruling party’s alleged plans to manipulate the election."The APC has once again shown itself to be a party driven by desperation, resorting to thuggery and falsely blaming its actions on the PDP," Fadaka said. "Their attacks on our supporters are a sign of fear, but the people of Ondo State remain determined and will not succumb to intimidation."Fadaka reiterated that the PDP has adhered to the electoral rules, while accusing the APC of exploiting its power to manipulate the process. He expressed confidence that the people’s choice, Chief Alfred Agboola Ajayi, will prevail despite the APC’s efforts to undermine democracy."We believe that light will triumph over darkness when the people cast their votes tomorrow," Fadaka declared. "However, we issue a stern warning: while the PDP is a party that values peace, there is a limit to the tolerance of oppression."He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the international community to monitor the election closely and ensure that the APC abides by the rules. Fadaka concluded by stating that any failure to hold the APC accountable could threaten democracy and deny the people of Ondo State their right to a fair election."Ondo State will emerge victorious against the oppressive tactics of the APC," Fadaka asserted.