Ayo Fadaka is the spokesperson for the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi. He speaks with Hakeem GBADAMOSI, on the preparedness of the party and its chances of winning the governorship election.
THE battle for Alagbaka Government House is on. What stands Agboola Ajayi out as the candidate to beat?
Agboola Ajayi is a very prepared person to become governor; he has the requisite experience in political administration, making him exceptionally prepared for the governorship role. He has the political experience, having started very early in his late teenage years. He became the chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in his ward, progressing to serve as the party’s secretary at the local government level, and thereafter became the Supervisory Councillor in his local government. He subsequently served as the caretaker committee chairman and later became an elected chairman of the same local government.
Upon concluding his term, Agboola Ajayi became the member representing Ilaje/Ese Odo federal constituency in the National Assembly and eventually served as Deputy Governor of Ondo State. Throughout his career, he has diligently fulfilled his responsibilities, establishing himself as the most prepared candidate for the governorship. When you look at a politician like Agboola, who has spent his entire life in politics, you will know he has the requisite experience to discharge any responsibility he is [given], and he stands out as the most prepared candidate and person to become the next governor of the state.
Apart from the manifesto of the PDP, Ajayi has also developed his own comprehensive blueprint centered on security, agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure, among other key areas, which he intends to use to administer the state. He is not only well-prepared but is also working tirelessly to secure victory in the upcoming November 16th election, and I can tell you confidently that he will make a significant impact on Ondo State’s development.
What’s your assessment of APC’s performance in Ondo State in the last eight years?
Well, If APC claimed that they have transformed Ondo State over the past eight years, that is left to be seen, as this assertion does not align with reality on the ground, except they did not have the proper grip of the word ‘transformation’. Can we say the APC has done that in the state? As far as I know, and the people of Ondo State do know, there has been no development in the last eight years. Development has been stagnated, and critical infrastructure has remained in disrepair since APC came to power in the state.
For instance, several road projects in Akure have been ongoing for nearly eight years; they have attempted to build roads yet [the roads] remain incomplete. They began the construction of Oda road in the last eight years, and that is a road of less than 10 kilometers. The entire stretch of Ijoka road project in Akure is seven kilometers, but the APC government has been working on that road for over seven years and continues to remain work in progress. So I don’t know the kind of transformation the APC is talking about in the state.
Again, the late Governor [Rotimi] Akeredolu, may God rest his soul, began the construction of a flyover around Shagari village /Onyarugbulem market, it remains a white elephant and it is a stark reminder of the administration’s unfulfilled promises. Governance by APC has been characterized by unfulfilled promises and underwhelming accomplishments, with no significant project completed in the last eight years.
Their lack of results is further highlighted by their policy of charging fees for primary and secondary school students, reversing a long-standing tradition of free education in Ondo State. This policy reflects a retrogressive approach, which is alien to the people of this state and the people have felt the burden of the added expenses.
The PDP, under Ajayi’s leadership, aims to re-establish free education from primary through secondary levels. The PDP administration also intends to provide textbooks and essential stationery to students, emphasizing their commitment to fostering the next generation. Under Ajayi’s governorship, PDP aims to reverse the setbacks that have plagued Ondo State, refocusing on progress and development.
Your party complained about the state being drawn backwards in the eight years of APC in the state. How?
The wheel of our progress has been halted in a more brutal manner that we no longer have a tomorrow in this state. Hunger and penury are the order of the day in Ondo State. We visited Ose local council during our campaign, and we noticed there is no road connecting Owo to Ose. In the Ireakari axis, there is no road there and we need to travel through Akoko to access the town and the road cannot be regarded as a road. It is in massive state of disrepair. Despite these conditions, the APC candidate has the temerity to campaign in these areas without addressing the residents’ concerns for basic infrastructure.
The PDP, however, is committed to changing this. Ajayi has pledged to address infrastructure needs within his first six months of his administration, beginning with a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate major roads and other neglected projects. For the PDP, governance means actively improving residents’ quality of life and being accountable to the people, values that the current APC administration has seemingly ignored. Ajayi is committed to reversing the decline and ensuring Ondo State’s infrastructure is no longer a hindrance to its progress. People who hold positions of trust on behalf of people must be responsible to the people and must show a level of care for the people. What I have seen about APC in Ondo State is that they do not care; they do not work; they just live by the day, wait for the allocation to come and what they can also raise from the IGR. It is a shame that this can be done and happening in our state today. I will use this opportunity to call on the people to take due cognisance of the deprivation that the APC has subjected them to and begin to think of how to put in place a government that will be responsible to them and Agboola Ajayi is key in this.
Your candidate has commenced campaign in the state. What’s your assessment in terms of acceptance of the governor as the incumbent?
Over recent weeks, the PDP’s campaign has been met with remarkable enthusiasm from the public. Even in communities where campaigns were not initially scheduled, residents came out in large numbers to express their support. The defection of numerous APC members, particularly grassroots members, to the PDP underscores a widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration. This wave of support reinforces PDP’s momentum, which they are determined to maintain and not take for granted. By God’s grace, they are confident of victory in the upcoming election.
What are the selling points of Ajayi in this election and what are the things you think he will do differently?
Ajayi is a familiar figure across Ondo State, renowned for his humility and dedication to public service. He brings a wealth of knowledge in political administration and is deeply committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people. Ajayi’s vast experience and his genuine approach to governance set him apart as a candidate genuinely dedicated to the immediate development of Ondo State upon his election.
To what extent does the governor enjoy the support of the PDP leadership in the state and at the national level, especially PDP governors?
Agboola Ajayi enjoys substantial support from both the grassroots members and senior leaders of the PDP, at both state and national levels. Specifically, regarding support from PDP governors, three governors attended his campaign’s kick-off to stand in solidarity, while others sent messages of encouragement. This robust backing reflects the confidence and unity among PDP governors in his candidacy. We are assured of their support, prayers, and best wishes, and we trust they will continue to stand by us throughout this journey.
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