By: Icon-James Tam
First, let me congratulate the people of Ondo State for their courage and resilience in showing up in large numbers for the flag-off of the PDP campaign. The turn out was massive and impressive.
Last week, my great party, the PDP applied to use MKO Abiola Park, also known as Democracy Park, but the state government denied our application.
When we raised concerns about this petty behavior, Comrade Allen Sowore, once a respected voice, now reduced to justifying the unjustifiable actions of his paymaster and party, claimed the denial was due to a late application. Another fabrication. The SSA on Strategic Communication, who now seems to be playing the role of both Commissioner for Information and Chief Press Secretary, crafted this story from the comfort of his office to mislead the public.
For Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the APC, who have long been perceived as an extension of what the street today called T-Pain,the unpopular federal government, this venue denial may seem like a minor move. However, they fail to recognize it was a blessing in disguise for the PDP. Forced onto the streets of Akure, we blocked the Oyemekun axis, creating a wave of awareness. People who initially had no idea about our rally joined in, standing in solidarity with the PDP.
At the campaign ground, I personally counted over 50 pregnant women among the crowd. Their faces reflected the determination to vote against the hardship inflicted on them by the APC administration.
In a lighthearted moment, our candidate, Chief Alfred Agboola Ajayi, introduced his wife to a cheering crowd, indirectly challenging Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to do the same—if he dares.
The APC, despite boasting that the upcoming election will be a walkover, seems oddly concerned with campaigning. If they’re so confident, why bother campaigning?
I’ll conclude with an Ijaw proverb”: Ese fagha fure biri jigho sei ka (A pregnancy that is said to be without complications often results in the most difficult birth).
Peoplesmind