Ahead of next Saturday’s local government election in Ondo State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed optimism about emerging victorious in the polls.
The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Alex Kalejaye, made this known during a press conference at the party’s secretariat in Akure, the state capital, stating that the APC is fully prepared and committed to winning the election.
According to him, the APC remains the party to beat in Ondo State, considering the results of the last governorship election. He noted that the party has a strong grassroots appeal and presence.
Kalejaye added that party members and stakeholders have been working tirelessly to ensure all its candidates emerge victorious, with strategic steps already taken to secure success in the council polls.
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“Our party has a strong grassroots presence, and we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure our candidates are well-equipped to serve the people,” Kalejaye said. “Our campaign strategy focuses on showcasing our achievements and promising continued development and progress for the state.”
He emphasized that the party would not underrate other political parties participating in the election, adding that the APC had reconciled all aggrieved members to go into the election as a united family. A committee, led by Charles Fagbunka, has been set up to oversee and coordinate campaigns across the state’s 18 local government areas.
“We have directed our leaders to hold meetings and mobilize members to visit churches and marketplaces to canvass for votes,” he said.
“We are fully prepared for the local government elections. Our campaigns are ongoing across the wards and local government areas. We are committed to this exercise.
“We do not believe in vote-buying. With our track record and ongoing efforts, we trust that the people will vote for us. We believe in decent campaigns.
“During the governorship election, we campaigned and won in all the local government areas. It is the people who should decide who will be their councilors and chairpersons. Our primary goal is to win the election. According to ODIEC, 13 political parties are participating, and we are confident of victory.
“People vote based on performance. With the work we’ve done, we trust they will have no difficulty voting for the APC.
“Our committees have been working diligently at the ward and unit levels. We are not just starting our campaigns; the groundwork has been ongoing.”
He called on the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) to remain neutral and unbiased in conducting the elections, expressing confidence that the electoral body would ensure a free, fair, and transparent process.
Kalejaye urged all APC members, supporters, and the electorate to turn out en masse on Saturday to vote for the party’s candidates.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) has commenced distributing non-sensitive materials to the 18 local government areas in the state.
The distributed materials include ballot boxes and other essential items.
ODIEC Chairman Joseph Aremo, in a statement signed by his Press Officer, Mrs. Bisi Lawani, disclosed that the electoral body has recruited and trained ad-hoc staff for election day duties.
He confirmed that all non-sensitive materials required for the elections had been delivered to ODIEC offices across the local government areas. The commission is collaborating with security agencies to safeguard election materials.
Aremo reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, transparent, peaceful, and inclusive elections.
He called on the electorate to turn out in large numbers on election day to exercise their franchise and contribute to the democratic process.
Aremo also advised political parties, candidates, and their supporters to maintain peace and adhere to the rules of engagement.
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