When politics becomes a turf battle and electoral stakes assume the appearance of conquest, it is often the heart of democracy that is undermined. Recent remarks by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, threatening to “capture” Ondo State and the entire South-West region have sparked a strong reaction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The PDP national spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, described the threat as “reckless and threatening”. According to him, the use of the word “capture” implies the idea of control and subjugation by force, which is not acceptable. The South-West region has always been a bastion of opposition and democracy and any attempt to subjugate it will be vigorously resisted by the people.
This statement recalls troubling episodes in Nigeria’s political history, such as the unrest of the First Republic in the 1960s or the attempted electoral manipulation of 1983. External interference in local democratic processes is a serious threat to the stability and integrity of our institutions.
Furthermore, the PDP has also supported the request of the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for the reassignment of the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commission, Mrs. Toyin Babalola. The PDP spokesperson accused Mrs. Babalola of blatant bias in favour of senior APC officials, thereby compromising the fairness of the electoral process in Ondo State.
This situation highlights the critical importance of the independence and impartiality of electoral regulatory bodies in ensuring free and fair elections. The integrity of our democracy depends on transparent and fair electoral processes, free from partisan political interference.
In conclusion, the threat of “capture” by the APC and the concerns raised by the PDP highlight the critical issues of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria. It is imperative that fundamental democratic principles are respected and all forms of political manipulation are condemned in order to preserve the integrity of our political system.