By John Alechenu

A coalition of pro-democracy groups under the banner of the Ondo Freedom Movement has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his remarks on the upcoming Ondo State Governorship election.

The coalition accused Wike of undermining the efforts of democratic leaders, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, whose sole aim is to support a fair electoral process where the people’s votes are respected.

The group’s Coordinator, Comrade Ayodele Idowu, issued a statement in Abuja on Thursday, where he highlighted the growing influence of Governor Makinde and other trusted leaders in promoting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Agboola Ajayi. According to Idowu, these efforts are unsettling the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, the outgoing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Idowu stated, “Chief Wike’s recent comments, particularly when he said, ‘I pity my friend Seyi who is there struggling to get a brother in the South West; he is doing all he can; in fact, I don’t know how it will work,’ have intensified public concerns about alleged plots by the APC to manipulate the election and subvert the people’s will. Our Movement stands ready to resist any such plots.”

The statement continued, emphasizing that “Ondo is not Rivers State. The control of civil activities, including the outcome of Saturday’s election, rests solely with the people of Ondo State, whose will alone will prevail. No threat, blackmail, or influence can change the people’s resolve to break free from APC misrule.”

The coalition pledged full support for Governor Makinde and the PDP candidate, Ajayi, stating that the November 16, 2024, election would mark the end of repression and bring in a leadership genuinely committed to Ondo’s welfare. “The people of Ondo State are ready to use every legitimate means to defend their mandate,” the statement added.

The Ondo Freedom Movement also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold the integrity of the election process, cautioning against any attempts by the APC to undermine the process.

The statement advised Governor Aiyedatiwa to reconsider his candidacy in light of widespread dissatisfaction, describing his administration as one of the worst in Ondo’s history. It further urged Ondo State residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and vigilant as they cast and protect their votes.