EKITI PDP CANDIDATES WARN AGAINST RIGGING, PREACH ONE MAN, ONE VOTE

By Lere Olayinka
Former Chairman of Efon Local Government, Chief Akinyele Ologbonla addressing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters
Former Chairman of Efon Local Government, Chief Akinyele Ologbonla addressing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters

With one voice, six candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II have declared that any attempt by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to rig the April general elections would be met with stiff resistance from supporters of the PDP, saying; “Those that are relying on violence and rigging to win elections next month should shelve the idea in their own interest.”

The candidates that were led by the senatorial candidate for Ekiti Central, Kayode Alufa included Reps candidate, Hon. Kehinde Odebunmi, House of Assembly candidates, Femi Jegede (Ekiti West I), Hon. Ajibade Owolabi (Ekiti West II), Hon. Bisi Kolawole (Efon) and Brigadier General Adedunmoye Ayeni (Ijero) were addressing thousands of PDP supporters at a rally in Efon-Alaaye yesterday.

Alufa, who alleged that ACN members in the State were already boasting that government machineries would be used to rig the elections and destroy votes in PDP strongholds said; “We know their plans and we are ready for them.”

He said all lovers of democracy in the country must raise their voice in support of the enforcement of one man, one vote during the general elections, adding that; “Any attempt by the ACN to unleash violence on the people and rig the elections will be thwarted.”

Addressing the crowd, Hon. Odebunmi urged the PDP supporters to remain steadfast in their support for the party, saying; "All that the ACN people are planning against the elections is to intimidate voters through violence so as to prevent the enforcement of the one man, one vote that they have clamoured for because they know that they cannot win a free and fair election here.

“Those in government in Ekiti now know that they are usurpers. They know that they would soon be sent out of the government house and they are ready to sustain their judicial fraud by all means. But God will shame them.

Also speaking, Hon Bisi Kolawole expressed confidence in d ability of the PDP to win the elections, adding that: "here in Efon, there are only two parties, PDP and others.

“As you can see, the youths are with us and it is assured that those planning to rig the polls will meet us here."

Calling on voters to make sure their votes count, Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee of the Ekiti Central Campaign Committee, Hon.

Foluso Adesokan said; “This time around, our supporters must not only mobilise votes for our candidates, they must also protect their votes.

“INEC has said accreditation will be done till 12 noon and voting will start by 12:30pm. Our people must make sure that they have record of total accredited voters at the end of accreditation and wait at the polling unit until votes are counted, and results announced.”

At the well attended rally were former governor, Chief Segun Oni, senatorial chairman, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, Senator Iyiola Omisore, former chairmen of Efon Local Government, Odunayo Ategbero, Ade Agbaje and Akinyele Ologbonla among other chieftains of the PDP.