The Nation Newspaper

Category: Election

  • Akande, Tinubu, Ribadu, ACN governors for Akure rally

    Akande, Tinubu, Ribadu, ACN governors for Akure rally

    THE National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande, the National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the party’s Presidential candidate in the 2011 election, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, are to attend the party’s Redemption Rally.

    According to Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO), the rally is to be attended by ACN governors-Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (Lagos), Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Senator Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (Osun).

    A statement by Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy of ACO, the redemption rally is to hold tomorrow (Monday 15, October) at the Democracy Park Akure by 9.am. He said “the rally will afford the people of Ondo State the opportunity to hear again the plan of ACN to transform Ondo state if the flag berarer of the party in the October 20 election, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), is elected governor.”

    He added “For us at ACO, we know that Akeredolu is a man of proven integrity and pedigree who can be trusted by the people of Ondo State.”

     

  • Ondo CPC blasts Bakare over endorsement of Mimiko

    Ondo CPC blasts Bakare over endorsement of Mimiko

    The Ondo State chapter of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has berated the Senior Pastor of the Latter Rain Assembly and Vice-Presidential candidate of the party in the 2011 general elections, Pastor Tunde Bakare, for endorsing the second term bid of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

    In a statement issued yesterday, the party said Bakare’s opinion contradicts the views of the majority of the people of the state, including the party’s members, “who are longing to be freed from the reckless and rudderless government that has presided over the affairs of the state in the last three and a half years.”

    The statement signed by the Director- General of the party’s governorship candidate, Soji Ehinlanwo Campaign Organisation (SECO), Yomi Adetimehin, noted that the endorsement of Mimiko by Bakare reflected a detachment from the realities in Ondo.

    It said, ‘’From Akoko to Ondo to Ilaje, most people wonder where the vast portion of the huge allocation of over N600 billion from the federation account to the state has gone in view of what is actually on the ground.

    “We are inclined to also wonder whether the endorsement given by the Pastor takes into account that many in Ondo State are embarrassed by the recklessness that has now come to be associated with OSOPADEC and which is even a subject of investigation by the EFCC.

    “Out of a huge total of over N61 billion that has accrued to the commission in the last three and a half years, no one conversant with the mandate areas of this commission can say he has seen any evidence of even one billion naira spent in the specified areas.

    “Like many in the mandate areas who have therefore been short-changed by the mega looting at this commission under the watch of the incumbent governor, we find disappointing such endorsement of an individual that has so blatantly underperformed and betrayed the trust of the people

    “After three and a half years, many of the industries in Ondo State remain moribund in spite of initial promises by the governor to resuscitate them. Oluwa Glass, Okitipupa Oil Pam Company, NIROWI, IFON Ceramics etc have all been neglected.

    “In addition, there has been lacking a clear vision to stimulate small and medium scale enterprises able to provide jobs for the teeming array of unemployed youths in Ondo State.

    “The result is that after over three and a half years, the ranks of the unemployed in Ondo State are growing and we have a government without a clear and effective response to the problem.

    “How the head of such an obviously under- performing government can be endorsed by anyone is beyond our imagination and that of millions of Ondo indigenes who are on ground.”

  • Akeredolu: LP is setback to regional integration

    Akeredolu: LP is setback to regional integration

    The standard bearer of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the October 20 poll, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Olusola Oke, yesterday accused the Labour Party (LP) Governor Olusegun Mimiko of aggravating the security situation in the state.

    The trio of Mimiko, Akeredolu and Oke were engaged in a debate over security and the role of police at the second session of the governorship debate organised by the Nigerian Election Debate Group (NEDG), led by the veteran broadcaster, Aremo Taiwo Alimi, in Akure.

    The debate, which lasted for almost three and a half hours, was held at the Adegbemile Cultural Centre, Oke-Eda.

    The candidates answered questions during the televised debate on various issues, including mission statements, agriculture and rural development, possibility of a seaport in Ondo State, oil and bitumen exploration, water pollution, education, tourism, sports development, micro-industrial development, rule of law, job creation, leadership and security.

    They flaunted their credentials in their opening and closing remarks, appealing to the electorate to vote for the next Saturday.

    Akeredolu said he has come to the conclusion after traversing the 18 local governments that the state is yearning for development.

    He added that Ondo State deserves a visionary and transparent leadership.

    Akeredolu noted that the state was lagging behind in the critical sectors, including education, health, agriculture and sports.

    He flayed the governor over the Mother and Child Hospital in Akure, pointing out that the state needed health centres at the wards.

    Akeredolu said: “I offer myself for service. Having gone round the 18 local governments, I’ve discovered that the state is in a perilous condition. One road in three and a half years is not enough. I will open up the rural areas with roads. We need water and electricity. I will give a transparent leadership.”

    Mimiko said he had bridged the gap between the government and people through his people-oriented projects in the last three and a half years, adding that he is the most experienced candidate, having served as a commissioner twice, minister and governor.

    Oke, who said he was coming for a rescue mission, promised to fight the infrastructure battle and tackle corruption in the state. He said the Mimiko administration is a corrupt government, frowning at the alleged inflation of contracts and burden of unnecessary loans.

    Mimiko defended himself, saying he had run a transparent government.

    The debate degenerated into personal attacks among the candidates, following Governor Mimiko’s allegation that Oke was unfit for leadership because his re-nomination as an NNDC member from Ondo State was rejected by the Senate because he falsely claimed to be building a non-existing village in his locality. The governor also alleged that Akeredolu was indicted by an administrative panel that probed his tenure as a former commissioner, adding that members of the executive committee of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) accused him in a petition of awarding NBA contracts to his chambers.

    Defending himself, Oke said it is not every contestant to a position that succeeds in his bid every time.

    Akeredolu berated the governor for a shortfall in perception and recall, stressing that he told lies before a global audience. He said although government set up a panel, the panel’s decision was set aside by the ruling of the Appeal Court.

    The ACN standard bearer added: “Three members of the executive wrote a petition. Does that translate to the executive committee? If NBA did not clear me, would they have named the lawyers’ house in Abuja in my honour? I am a successful lawyer, unlike others who have no time to practise their profession.”

    The debate on security also degenerated into personal attacks and abuse, which ultimately violated the rules of the debate. Mimiko said the security situation in the state has improved because he has invested heavily in the sector, adding that the atmosphere of peace has impacted on other sectors in the state. He, however, supported the decentralisation of the police.

    Akeredolu, who called for state police, lamented that the distant Federal Government has an exclusive control over the police to the detriment of the states, which nevertheless contribute to its funding in terms of logistics and equipment provisions.

    He said the security situation in the state has worsened because the LP government has promoted thuggery and violence ahead of the election.

    Akeredolu stressed: “Security is over-centralised in Nigeria. This has been challenging to the state governments. States cannot command the police. We must decentralise the police. We must have state police. The security challenge we have in Ondo State is associated with thuggery and violence.”

    Oke opposed state police, saying it would be misused by the state government. He attributed the insecurity in the state to soaring poverty, stressing that there is capital flight from the state.

    The PDP candidate, who described security as a joint challenge, said he would not have been able to campaign in the state if he was not guarded by armed policemen because LP government has been fuelling thuggery and violence.

    He added: “If we decentralise police, with the type of government we have in Ondo State now, the opposition parties would not participate in this election.”

    The candidates were also divided on the issue of regional integration. Akeredolu said integration does not connote that Southwest should belong to one party, adding that what is more important is the need and willingness to collaborate for the purpose of development.

    He lamented that LP government has been a setback to the integration agenda, citing the example of its refusal to even honour the memory of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the historic 1993 presidential election, through the celebration of the June 12.

    Akeredolu described LP as a one-man party personified by the governor. He lamented that he lacked the political will to support an economic agenda that could catapult the zone to progress.

    Oke partly supported the integration agenda, saying it is important for Southwest states to collaborate in areas of mutual interest, especially road, industries, revival of Oodua Group, which a state cannot do. He, however, said he would not be part of any agenda characterised by the subjugation of the economy of one state by another state.

    Mimiko said integration is welcome, adding, however, that he was not ready for the domination of anybody.

  • ‘Mimiko, police, judiciary in unholy alliance against opposition’

    ‘Mimiko, police, judiciary in unholy alliance against opposition’

    The Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) has described as alarming, the rate at which the security agents and the judiciary are working to arrest and imprison members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, the Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy of the ACO, said many ACN members have been arrested on flimsy charges, which in most cases are masterminded by the Labour Party(LP).

    He said: “The latest of such is the arrest and remand of Olusola Adenodi in prison by Magistrate J.O. Kpemi of the Okitipupa Magistrate’s Court till October 28, despite that the charge is bailable. Also arrested and remanded by the magistrate are our members at Paraga Ward, Odigbo Local Government, Ikoya, Ilutitun, among others.

    “LP has concluded plans with the security agents to invade Ikale, Oshoro and Okitipupa to arrest our members because of the rising popularity of Dr. Paul Akintelure, Rotimi Akeredolu’s running mate, who is from the area.

    “We urge the security agents to desist from colluding with the LP. The judiciary, which should be the last hope of the common man, should not be used to settle political scores. It is instructive to note that the late General Sani Abacha could not cow Ondo people.

    “Mimiko and his co-travellers should learn from history. They should remember that the Ondo people are averse to oppression. It does not matter the amount of intimidation by the Labour Party, the people will rise against it and vote for a change that Akeredolu represents.

    “If Mimiko’s claim that he is popular is true, why is he using satanic devices against the opposition? It is his thugs that are attacking the opposition. It is his supporters who were caught with thumb-printed ballot boxes. It is his royal father-associates who are being caught with arms and ammunition. He is the one harbouring thugs in government-owned hotels with taxpayers’ money. Mimiko is desperate for re-election, but no amount of desperation will hoodwink Ondo people to change their mind. They will vote him out on October 20.”

  • Police avert clash between ACN,LP supporters

    Police avert clash between ACN,LP supporters

    The timely intervention of men of the Ondo State Police Command yesterday prevented a clash between supporters of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Labour Party (LP) in Akure.

    It was learnt that the LP members had planned to disrupt the ACN Women Forum organised by the wife of the lawmaker representing Akure North/South Federal Constituency, Mrs. Jumoke Abegunde.

    The wife of the ACN standard bearer, Mrs. Chioma Akeredolu, was billed to attend the meeting.

    The ACN chieftain and lawmaker, Ifedayo Abegunde, was said to have obtained a permission from the Police Commissioner to hold the meeting at the location.

    However, members of the LP were said to have erected their canopies at the same location where ACN had been granted permission to use.

    This development resulted in a disagreement between supporters of the two parties.

    Speaking to reporters, Abegunde said: “ I applied for permission to use the location and the Commissioner of Police (CP) granted it.

    “Suddenly, LP thugs came and erected their tents at the same spot and I contacted the CP, who ordered the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to send a detachment of policemen to the area to drive away the LP thugs.

    “The timely intervention of the police prevented the situation from degenerating into a fracas.”

    The wife of the governorship candidate of ACN, Mrs. Akeredolu, urged women to vote for the party in next Saturday’s poll.

    She promised that the party would bring smiles to the faces of women through programmes that have been designed to better their lives.

    Mrs. Akeredolu, who was received by the party women led by Mrs. Abegunde, said the ACN government would be an answer to the prayers of women.

    She said women would be given interest free loans, which would enable them start a business of their own.

    She enjoined them to join a cooperative society so that they can access the loan when the programme starts.

    The ACN standard bearer’s wife said old women and aged mothers would be given monthly stipends that would help cater for their needs.

    She said the women should rise up to the challenges and be involved in electing a new governor.

    Mrs. Akeredolu assured the people that her husband and the party would not disappoint them if voted into power.

    Abegunde hailed the ACN governorship candidate for identifying with women. He said he would ensure that the party comes first not only in the ward, but in Akure South.

    Abegunde assured party members and supporters that its popularity in Akure would facilitate victory next Saturday.

    He said Akure people are tired of the rudderless administration of the LP, which has brought no development to the capital.

    The lawmaker assured women of better days ahead if the party is voted into power.

    The Director of the Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) in Akure South/North Federal Constituency, Mr. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, said the poll would be a shocker for Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

    According to him, the ACN has gained popularity in Akure and the people are aware that the LP can not bring any development to the town.

    The Women Leader of the party, Erelu Modupe Johnson, who praised the governorship candidate’s wife for showing concern for the welfare of women, said the ACN government would improve the lot of the womenfolk.

    She said women are very important in any society, adding that it is time to uplift their lives.

    Erelu Johnson urged the people to go out and vote for the ACN on October 20.

    Mrs. Abegunde said women in the ward would work for the success of Mr. Akeredolu next Saturday.

  • Give us level playing field, youth leader urges INEC

    Give us level playing field, youth leader urges INEC

    Ahead of the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State, the National Youth Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Miriki Ebikibina, yesterday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to give the political parties contesting the poll a level playing field.

    He hailed the electoral body for conducting a free and fair poll on July 14 in Edo State and enjoined INEC to ensure that next Saturday’s poll becomes a benchmark for elections in the country.

    Ebikibina, who spoke with The Nation in Akure, said the Ondo governorship poll would justify what Nigerians should expect in the 2015 general elections.

    The ACN youth leader appealed to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to ensure that the suspected electoral fraudsters allegedly caught with multiple voter cards in Ondo town are prosecuted.

    He decried the attacks on the opposition parties, particularly the ACN, allegedly by the Labour Party (LP) thugs.

    Ebikibina accused the security operatives of being biased, adding that they have been arresting ACN supporters wrongly while allowing the LP hoodlums to move freely.

    He called for the transfer of security operative chiefs in the state, saying that was the only way to guarantee a free and fair poll.

    He said: “Recently, there have been killings of ACN members because of the forthcoming election. These should have been treated with seriousness, but the security agencies handled the matter with levity.

    “In our communiqué at the recent ACN Youths Annual Conference in Oshogbo, Osun State, we said killing is not part of politicking and does not in any way form the basis upon which an election is won.

    “We urge the Federal Government to look into the matter and bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book. We condemn the response of the State Security Service (SSS) to the killings of our supporters in Ondo State. We ask for the removal of the Commissioner of Police and the Director of SSS.”

  • Akeredolu: power ‘ll shift on October 20

    Akeredolu: power ‘ll shift on October 20

    The standard bearer of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the October 20 poll, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), yesterday said power would shift in the state after the election. He urged the people to get set for a new dawn.

    He told the people of Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government that ACN would alleviate their suffering, adding that from February 23, next year, they would begin to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    Akeredolu said: “The labourers party is a violent party. They know that they cannot come back to power. So, they are desperate. Power will shift in Ondo State and a government of the people, by the people and for the people will be installed.”

    The ACN candidate stormed Ile-Oluji about 3pm after a road show. But supporters converged on the town square near the palace of the Jegun of Ile-Oluji, Oba Sulade Adejugbe, from 9 am.

    As the chopper carrying Akeredolu landed in the ancient town, shouts of “ACN, Democracy for Justice” filled the air, with followers waving brooms the party’s symbol. Akeredolu rode through the town, waving at the people who trooped out to welcome him. Flyers containing his programme of action were distributed by party agents who began door-to-door mobilisation and voter education.

    Akeredolu was accompanied by his running mate, Dr. Paul Akintelure, former Finance Commissioner, Wale Akinterinwa, a promising politician and governorship aspirant from the town who stepped down for the ACN standard bearer at the congress, Acting Chairman, Akin Adesoji, Secretary, Gboyega Adesida, House of Representatives members, Ifedayo Abegunde and Dele Ogunsakin, Osun State Special Adviser on Environment, Bola Ilori and Deputy Chief of Staff, Gbenga Akano. They were ushered into the Jegun’s palace by the members of the Road Transport Union, the singing women and youths to pay homage to Oba Adejugbe, an engineer who conferred the honorary title of Aare of Ile-Oluji on ACN leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu a few years ago.

    Akeredolu told the monarch, his chiefs and other community leaders his mission. He promised to work for the people and become a model governor, if elected on October 20. The traditional ruler prayed for him and wished him success. He urged the political class to demonstrate tolerance and play by the rules of the game.

    During the rally, news reached ACN leaders that their followers had been attacked by suspected Labour Party (LP) thugs in Okitipupa in Ondo South Senatorial District.

    At the rally, old political war horses in the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo axis rekindled the memory of leaders who had served the town, including the late Chiefs Obafemi Awolowo, Adekunle Ajasin and Adebayo Adefarati, stressing that ACN is an incarnate of the defunct Action Group (AG) and Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). One of the town’s political leaders, Pa Joseph Fapounda, reminded the people about their devotion to the progressive cause from the Awo and Ajasin days. He advised them to be firm and committed to ACN. He said the party has great ideal close to their vision for rural development.

    Prof. Opeke, another community leader, alerted the people to what he called the antics of the LP, lamenting that their leaders are now wooing people with money, instead of using the state resources to develop the local government.

    The eminent scholar urged the people to resist the temptation to sell their voter cards, adding that those who offer money to them during campaigns would abandon them after the poll.

    Bubbling with confidence, Akinterinwa, who introduced the leaders, said: “After voting, we will sing songs of joy. Mimiko packed us in a one chance bus. ACN has come to rescue us.”

    He said the LP tricks would not work in the town, enjoining supporters to be committed to the end.

    He charged the non-indigenes in the local government to vote for ACN.

    Said he: “You non-indigenes will enjoy under Aketi government. Akeredolu is a great lawyer. He was the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) for two years and did all of us who are lawyers proud by building the Law House in Abuja, now named in his honour. He is a great lawyer. He is not a doctor who is afraid of the hospital, a doctor who cannot inject patients. LP is now giving out money and rice. Take the money because it is your money, but vote for ACN.”

    Dr. Akintelure said: “On October 20, vote for Akeredolu and ACN so that I can serve as a good deputy governor in Ondo State.”

    Akeredolu reiterated his determination to turn the state around.

    He said: “Unemployment is increasing in Ondo State and our graduates are now okada riders. I will provide 30,000 jobs for youths.”

  • 3,000 LP members defect to ACN in Owo

    3,000 LP members defect to ACN in Owo

    A former Labour Party (LP) House of Assembly aspirant in Owo Constituency 1, Kehinde Bello (aka H.K. Bello), has led over 3,000 members of the Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership (MGGEL) in the community to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    Bello, who is the state coordinator of the group, said they defected to the ACN to support its governorship candidate, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), following his achievements during his reign as the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

    He also led LP executives in Owo to the ACN fold.

    They are former Ehinogbe Ward I Chairman, Mr. Bowale Obatooto (aka Omo-Emi), Idasen Ward Secretary, Mr. Adetoyese Adewunmi, Igboroko Ward Treasurer, Mrs. Enuogbope Oyekorode, Ijebu Ward Secretary, Ruth Ebemebo, leaders of LP Elders Council in Igboroko I and II, Mr. M.I. Balogun, Ex-officio, Uso/Emure Ward, Mr. Babatunde Olupitan, among others.

    They were welcomed into ACN by the party’s governorship candidate, Mr. Akeredolu and Chairman, Mr. F.O. Osedimibola, at a rally in Owo Local Government.

    Speaking at the event, Bello described LP as a one man business whose sole proprietorship lacks the ethics of leadership.

    He added that it is a party where ignorance reigns supreme over experience.

    Bello said LP was a party run by a clique of self-seekers, bourgeois and mudslinging leaders whose pedigree was to subvert the will of the people.

    He said: “Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who is the sole proprietor of the LP, believes that the only way he can succeed in his criminal act is by giving power to thugs, mediocrity, naivety and those who cannot challenge his authority.

    “For instance, in Owo, go and check the past records of the political appointees of Governor Mimiko, including those elected to represent the local government. You cannot see one without a criminal record. We are being ruled by thugs. Owo must be liberated. We believe the only party that can bring rapid development to the community is ACN.

    “Ondo State cannot continue not to be in mainstream politics. We must join Southwest progressive states. The defection of our team from the LP to ACN brings an end to the reign of LP in our community.”

    Receiving the defectors, Akeredolu eulogised the leader of the group for his political sagacity and praised his wise decision to join ACN at a time leadership change in the state is imminent.

    He described Bello as a man of honour who was progressive minded. He said he is a political asset to the Owo community.

    “You have taken a wise decision. I want to assure you that when I’m elected into office, your group will be recognised,” Akeredolu said.

    The ACN standard bearer described the large turnout of members of the group as a great asset to ACN’s chances at the polls.

    No fewer than 1,000 members of LP and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to ACN at Ward nine and 10 in Isua-Akoko, as well as Ward I in Epinmi-Akoko, all in Akoko South East Local Government.

    The PDP group was led by Mr. Awolowo, while the following people led various groups from LP: P.K.D. Omoogun, Mr. Agbaje Ehinola, Mr. Dahunsi and Mr. Apata.

    The leaders are of the opinion that anybody still working for Mimiko for a second term is not only living in a fool’s paradise, he is an enemy of the generation unborn.

    They said if Mimiko is given the second term mandate, the state will not recover from the wounds in the next 10 years, adding that generations unborn would not forgive those responsible for this.

    They were received by Dr. K. B. Shaba, Hon. Oguntoyinbo and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Aderogboye.

  • Mimiko, Akeredolu, Oke debate today

    Mimiko, Akeredolu, Oke debate today

    Labour Party (LP) candidate Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) standard bearer Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer Olusola Oke will today participate in the debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Group, led by veteran broadcaster, Aremo Taiwo Alimi.

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, who is said to be a sympathiser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, is also a member of the debate group. A few months ago, AIT gave Mimiko an award as the best governor.

    The debate, holding at the Adegbemile Cultural Centre, Oke-Eda, Ondo State, trails the first round that featured six candidates. However, three candidates of mushroom parties would be excluded from today’s debate, which would be televised live.

    Last week, the running mates also participated in two debates, answering questions on the duties of a deputy governor.

    During the last debate, the audience and the candidates breached the rules by engaging in attacks. At a stage, the panelists reminded Akeredolu about the rules, but the ACN candidate told them that Mimiko, who had first attacked him, was not cautioned.

    Alimi frowned at the violation of the rules by the audience, saying it was a dent on the state. The six candidates received certificates of participation after the debate. An Akure politician, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “We have confidence in the eminent broadcaster, Taiwo Alimi, but it is important to stress that a debate group should not have any partisan politician on board to safeguard its credibility.”

  • Jonathan for Akure

    Jonathan for Akure

    President Goodluck Jonathan will storm Akure tomorrow for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally billed for Saturday, it was learnt yesterday.

    A PDP chieftain, Ayo Fadaka, who disclosed this on an Adaba Radio programme, Legacy, said the President would visit the state to dispel the rumour being peddled by the Labour Party (LP) that he is not supporting the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Olusola Oke.

    Fadaka said Jonathan will be accompanied by ministers, members of the National Assembly and leaders of the PDP. The Southwest PDP leader, Mr. Segun Oni, will lead other chieftains to welcome them at the Akure Airport.

    He said: “The President will raise the hands of Oke and his running mate, Saka Lawal. This will end the lies of the LP that Dr. Jonathan is backing Governor Mimiko. There have been rumours that the President is not supporting our candidate and that he does not know Saka Lawal. He will raise their hands on Saturday.”

    Fadaka said Ondo State people have woken up to the reality that Mimiko has deceived them for three and a half years, adding that his administration has been characterised by budget failure.

    He challenged Governor Mimiko to point to any road he had built, urging the voters to judge him by the way he had neglected the infrastructure battle.

    Fadaka added: “This is a government of endless proposals. What they know how to do is to use computer to take away the money. They will not implement a budget, and towards the end, they will come up with a supplementary budget. Money comes to the state, but we cannot see what it is spent on. This is unlike the PDP. In three and a half years, Mimiko could only complete one mega school project. When would he complete the rest? This is unlike the PDP. When PDP was in power, we built roads. Now, the people know which party had served them better.”