International Observers Visit Ondo PDP Ahead Of November, Guber Poll.

By Leye Igbabo

The British Deputy High Commission, Lagos officials have paid a courtesy visit on the Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Secretariat, Akure on Tuesday, 3rd September, 2024. The purpose of the visit was to interact with election stakeholders in order to have first-hand information on preparations as the November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election approaches.

The Delegation which was led by Mr Wale Adebanjo, Senior Political Adviser, and Shawn Anwoju, Post Security Manager in charge of Southern Nigeria said that their mission is to get balanced report from all stakeholders on concerns, apprehensions, observations or reservations about the electoral processes leading to the November 16 gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

“Four years ago, we were here on a fact-finding mission. This year again, we are here to observe the election and its processes. But in the meantime, we are here to know whether there is any form of intimidations, harassments or lack of cooperation from relevant agencies such as INEC or security agencies or any flash points in the build up to the gubernatorial election. We had been to the ruling party, APC, met with the governor of the State, Hon Lucky Ayedatiwa. We had equally had useful discussions with the Ondo State Commissioner of Police and the INEC. We consider it absolutely necessary to also hear from the opposition party and more especially the main opposition party, PDP so that we can have balanced report” Mr Wale Adebanjo said.

Responding, the Ondo State PDP Chairman Rt. Hon. Bakkita Bello welcomed the guests and profoundly thanked them for finding time to come around. The chairman informed the International Observers that there is relative peace in the State as we approach the polls, but however expressed his concerns on the recent visit and hosting of MC Oluomo, an unrepentant apologist and supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Ondo State Government House by the Governor of the State and the alleged handout of about $1m to him, querying the propriety of the visit at a time like this and the purpose for which such sum of Tax payers’ money frittered needlessly.

The inability or failure of International Observers to recommend sanctions for electoral offenders after their observations as well as ensuring that such sanctions are implemented, was equally queried because according to the Committee, their observing the electoral processes without any concrete steps taken to avert ugly future occurrences or deter culprits from engaging in such unpatriotic acts in subsequent elections, amounts to waste of time, efforts, energy and a mockery of the enormous risks taken on such occasions .

The officials however informed the party of its modus operandi and limitations in such international engagements so as not to be seen as unduly interfering in the internal affairs of a sovereign country like Nigeria. They further said that their job is to observe and pass their observations to relevant agencies, especially INEC which is in charge of management and conduct of elections in Nigeria and that any organization has the right to request for the report submitted to these agencies for their own use as the case may be.

The Ondo State PDP leadership conveyed its delight on the visit stating that the it has gained much through the interactive session and hoped that the visit would yield the expected change in the nation’s political process.

Those in attendance include the State Secretary, Bar. Oluseye Olujimi, Hon Bobby Omotosho, Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, Hon Princess Kemisola Adesanya, Hon Boluwaji Bamidele, Mrs Stella Ojo, Hon Babatunde Daudu, Mrs Folashade Ogunmakinwe and Mrs Omotolani Hassan Ayanku. A Deputy Director General of the State Campaign Council, Hon Rasheed Elegbeleye was also in attendance.

Leye Igbabo, is Director of Media and Publicity PDP Ondo State