The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ido-Osi Constituency I seat in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Daniel Ayodeji Ogunbusuyi, has criticised the Federal Government’s removal of fuel subsidy, insisting that authorities should have tackled corruption associated with the scheme rather than scrapping it.

Ogunbusuyi spoke on Saturday during a campaign rally held in Ido-Ekiti for the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, which attracted hundreds of residents and party supporters.

The event was attended by several party leaders and dignitaries, including former Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka; Director-General of the campaign council, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe; former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kola Oluwawole; Senator Duro Faseyi; and the PDP deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Deji Ogunsakin.

Addressing supporters, Oluyede promised to tackle poverty, insecurity and unemployment if elected governor.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the rally, Ogunbusuyi expressed confidence in the PDP’s chances at the polls, describing Oluyede as a candidate with fresh ideas for governance.

He said both the governorship candidate and other PDP candidates would work to alleviate the hardship faced by residents if elected.

Ogunbusuyi highlighted several community development initiatives he has undertaken over the years, including organising free summer coaching classes for students, distributing exercise books, supporting widows and orphans, facilitating employment opportunities for graduates, empowering small-scale entrepreneurs, and sponsoring Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training programmes for youths.

He also said he had supported talented young athletes by helping them secure opportunities with football clubs.

According to him, the large turnout at the rally reflected growing support for the PDP in the area.

“I urge our people to come out en masse on election day and vote for Dr. Oluwole Oluyede. He is bringing fresh ideas into governance and will ensure things are done differently for the benefit of the people,” he said.

Ogunbusuyi pledged to provide quality representation and responsive leadership if elected to the state assembly, adding that his experience in administration and community service had prepared him for public office.

Outlining his plans for the constituency, he identified community development, rehabilitation of healthcare facilities and schools, youth empowerment and improved security as key priorities.

He said he would sponsor bills aimed at strengthening security in communities and improving support for law enforcement agencies.

On fuel subsidy removal, Ogunbusuyi argued that corruption within the subsidy regime should have been addressed rather than eliminating the programme entirely.

“The provision of fuel subsidy is not the problem. The real issue is the corruption associated with it. Government should have dealt with the corruption instead of removing the subsidy and increasing the suffering of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

He added that the policy had contributed to rising costs of food, housing and other essential goods, making life more difficult for many citizens.

The PDP candidate also urged eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process and resist vote-buying.

According to him, voter apathy creates opportunities for electoral manipulation, while selling votes often leads to the emergence of leaders who fail to deliver good governance.

He called on residents to vote for PDP candidates in the forthcoming elections and remain vigilant to ensure that their votes count.