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Former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has been criticized by the Ondo Freedom Movement, a coalition of pro-democracy and good governance groups, following remarks he made regarding the upcoming Ondo State governorship election set for November 16.
In a recent interview on Channels Television, Wike expressed doubt over efforts by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other leaders aiming to strengthen democracy in Ondo State and ensure the electorate’s voice is respected.
Wike said, “I pity my friend Seyi who is there struggling to see that he gets a brother or brothers in the South West; he is doing all he can; in fact, I don’t know how it will work.”
Reacting to Wike’s comments, Comrade Ayodele Idowu, Coordinator of the Ondo Freedom Movement, accused the Minister of dismissing the ongoing democratic efforts led by Governor Makinde and other influential figures.
The group noted that the efforts include building support for PDP candidate Hon. Agboola Ajayi, which they claim has unsettled the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The coalition also warned against alleged plans by the APC to manipulate the election results.
“Our response to Chief Wike is that Ondo is not Rivers State, and the control of civil activities, including the outcome of Saturday’s election, is exclusively on the people of Ondo State, whose Will alone will triumph in the election,” the group stated.
The Ondo Freedom Movement vowed to stand against any attempts to subvert the democratic process and ensure that the election remains free, fair, and reflective of the people’s choice.