The three major contending political parties in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State have continued to trade words over allegations of rigging plans.
Sunday Sun gathered that one of the main opposition political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has set aside a whopping N5 billion to induce the electorate on the day of election to achieve victory and wrest power from incumbent Governor Olusegun Rahamon Mimiko of the Labour Party (LP).
A close source within the party, who doesn’t want his name mentioned in print said: “We are going to shock the people of Ondo State in this election. We have been hearing the people talking of power of incumbency; our party does not in any way feel threatened. We are forging ahead with our aggressive campaign and we are not going to rest on our oars until we achieve victory. Even with the enormous resources within the LP, we are going to square up with them, money for money, strength for strength.
“As I speak with you, over N5 billion has already been set aside for logistic arrangements and other contingency needs. Let’s wait and see.”
In a quick reaction to the allegation, Media Aide to Governor Mimiko, Mr. Femi Adepoju, said LP remained unperturbed by the threat of PDP.
His words: “Any money spent by either ACN or PDP is going to be a lost investment. Those who know the political antecedents of Ondo State people know they cannot be bought over by money. Ondo people are too sophisticated, enlightened and politically mature to be bought with money. Besides, they appreciate what it takes to have good governance, which our governor ably represents. Already, our achievements are there for everyone to see. So, if they like they can bring all the money in the Central Bank to Ondo, it will not change the support of the people for this government.
“Rather, it is going to be a lost investment, it is going to be money down the drain. On Saturday, we shall renew our mandate with the people under a free and fair contest. That, I can assure you.”
This accusation is coming on the heels of repeated assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the Saturday, October 20, governorship election in Ondo State is going to be a model for future elections.
ACN and PDP are the two leading opposition parties trying to wrest power from the ruling LP. And they have been at each other’s throats over the soul of the sunshine state.
Source: Sun News
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