PDP in best position to win guber polls, says running mate

The deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. John Ola Mafo, has described his ticket as the strongest to win the November 26 governorship polls.

Mafo stated this at Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje local council during his formal presentation as the running-mate to the party’s standard-bearer, Eyitayo Jegede.

He said: “As far as Ondo State is concerned, no party is as strong as the PDP. It is the best platform that the people can rely on to win the governorship elections. The party is not only well-organised and disciplined, it also has a long track record of achievements.”

Addressing youths, women groups, religious and community leaders at the C&S Church of Zion, venue of the reception, he said his choice was favoured by the current political calculations in the state.

He described the joint ticket as capable of winning the support of people of the southern senatorial district where the PDP is believed to have its largest supporters.

According to Mafo: “The Akure and Ilaje people are among the groups that have not occupied governorship position in the state. But, in the PDP these two areas are coming together to vie for the top position. The Jegede and Mafo ticket is a rare combination that would take the Ilaje one step to the seat.”

He said it was a misconception that the deputy governorship position is an inconsequential second fiddle.

According to him: “The idea that the number two position is not good enough is wrong. The position is not only desirable, but very effective in drawing development to the people.”

The running mate later visited the palaces of Amapetu of Mahin, Lawrence Omowole and the Olugbo of Ugbo-Ilaje, Fredrick Eniti Akinruntan, where he received royal blessings.

He pledged that the oil-rich communities would witness a new era of development, if the PDP wins the election.

Mafo told the Ilaje people not to be deceived by the choice of Olusola Oke as governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

He added: “If our agitation for the number one position cannot be immediately realised, the number two is there for us for the taking.”

He promised that the Ilaje area, which contributes a substantial revenue to the state, would be accorded its rightful place in the development of the state.