Lagos, Sept. 27, 2024(TheGavel) – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Ondo State, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, has expressed strong disapproval of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its handling of governance over the past eight years. He made this known during a media parley in Lagos on Friday, where he outlined his vision for the future of the state and urged the people to reject the APC in the upcoming Nov. 16 governorship election.
Ajayi, a former deputy governor of Ondo State, took a swipe at the current administration led by Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, the APC’s candidate in the election, accusing him of failing to deliver on promises made to the people. He lamented that the state has deteriorated under APC leadership and stressed the importance of the forthcoming election.
“The primary objective of governance is the safety and welfare of the people. Any political party that deviates from this avowed principle of governance will definitely get it wrong and become a liability on the people. I have a clear vision on how to make it work,” Ajayi said, emphasizing the need for a shift in leadership.
Ajayi further criticized the current governor, noting that Ayedatiwa had only worsened the problems left behind by his predecessor, the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming election, stating that it would define the future of Ondo State.
Ajayi also voiced his disappointment with the outcome of the recent Sept. 21 governorship election in Edo, which he described as an imposition rather than a democratic process. He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure that the will of the people is respected in the Ondo election, urging them to prevent any form of electoral malpractice.
Outlining his agenda, Ajayi said that his primary goal is to transform Ondo State into a beacon of sustainable economic development. His plans include modern infrastructure, efficient transportation, a vibrant marine and blue economy, thriving agriculture, robust industrialization, quality education, and affordable healthcare.
Ajayi highlighted that his vision for the state would focus on comprehensive human development and security. He also underscored the need for the state’s resources to be harnessed for the benefit of the people, in line with the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy as outlined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).
“It is therefore, my mission to harness the state’s human and material resources to actualize this vision and thereby rescue and redeem the people of the Sunshine State. We will rescue the state from the shackles of poverty, oppression, deprivation, and insecurity and set them on the path of sustainable development so that the sun will shine again in the State,” Ajayi declared.
Ajayi stressed the importance of political will in developing the state, stating, “What is sacrosanct in developing a state like Ondo is the political will of the sitting governor. On my own part, the required political will to develop Ondo State is inherent in me, and it is already activated.”
He assured the people of Ondo that his government would bring about significant changes, promising, “Our four-year government will feel like 12 years in terms of progress and development.”
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Director General of the Agboola Ajayi Governorship Campaign Organisation, described Ajayi as a “general in the battle against poverty, denial, and hopelessness.”
The PDP Chairman in Ondo State, Mr. Bakita Bello, noted that the party had regained its strength and had welcomed numerous defectors from the ruling APC, positioning it to win the forthcoming election. (NAN)
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