PDP Slams Ganduje’s ‘Capture’ Comments, Warns Against APC’s Plans for Ondo State

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized recent statements made by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, about the party’s intentions to “capture” Ondo State and the broader South West region.

During a briefing at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba labeled Ganduje’s comments as “reckless and threatening,” expressing concern over the choice of language. “What Ganduje said about the APC’s plans to ‘capture’ Ondo and the South West is both alarming and inappropriate,” Ologunagba remarked. “The term ‘capture’ implies forceful control or occupation, and we will not accept being enslaved in our own land.”

Ologunagba further emphasized the historical significance of the South West as a bastion of opposition and democracy, condemning what he described as Ganduje’s “threats” during a recent visit to Ondo State. He referenced past incidents of political unrest, citing the “wetie” crisis of the 1960s and the 1983 attempts by the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) to impose Akin Omoboriowo as governor, as stark reminders of the consequences of disregarding the people’s will. “Any attempt by the APC to force itself upon the people of Ondo State will be met with strong resistance,” he warned.

The PDP also echoed the call from Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde for the redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State. Ologunagba accused the REC of showing partisanship and collaborating with APC leaders, raising concerns over the integrity of the electoral process in the state.