Tackle Rising Insecurity, Forget 2028 Race — Ondo PDP Tells Aiyedatiwa

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has urged the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to abandon any alleged ambition of contesting the 2028 governorship election and instead concentrate on addressing the worsening insecurity across the state.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, the party said it had taken note of the recent court ruling concerning the eligibility dispute involving the governor, noting that while the matter remains before the courts, it was troubling that the governor appeared increasingly focused on another possible electoral contest rather than tackling pressing governance challenges.

The statement, signed by the PDP Director of Media and Public Communications in the state, Wándé T. Àjàyí, expressed concern that insecurity had reached alarming levels in many communities across the state.

According to the opposition party, several communities that once enjoyed relative peace now live in fear of kidnappers and other criminal elements operating on highways and in rural settlements.

The PDP lamented that farmers could hardly access their farms without fear, while travellers and residents move around with growing apprehension due to security threats.

The party described it as unfortunate that at a time when decisive leadership is urgently required, the state government appears distracted by political permutations and legal battles over future elections.

It also noted that Aiyedatiwa assumed office under extraordinary constitutional circumstances following the death of the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

The PDP argued that governance should not be reduced to what it described as a “relay of endless elections,” stressing that leadership requires commitment to security, development, and the welfare of citizens.

“We therefore urge Governor Aiyedatiwa to immediately redirect his focus to the urgent business of governance,” the party said.

The opposition party further stated that the rising wave of insecurity, deteriorating infrastructure, and growing economic hardship across communities in the state require urgent and decisive action from the government.

The PDP reiterated that the people of Ondo State deserve leadership that is focused, responsible, and accountable, adding that the office of governor is a sacred trust given by the people.

It concluded by urging the governor to concentrate on restoring safety, rebuilding public confidence, and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.