Eyitayo Jegede, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming Ondo State governorship election, has insisted that the use of mercenaries to rig the poll will be resisted.
Jegede stated this while receiving some defectors from other political parties at Iju in Akure North Local Government Area of the state on Monday.
The PDP governorship candidate said stakeholders in the state should ensure that allow any form of electoral malpractice during the forthcoming election is stopped.
He said: “Those plotting to invade Ondo State with mercenaries from other states with the aim of rigging the October 10 election, to stop short at the state’s borders, as the people are determined to defend their right.”
Jegede assured the defectors of a level-playing ground, saying: “PDP is a party that genuinely sets out to serve people, and so, wants more people in its fold.”
He also reeled out part of his campaign promises, including giving quality and affordable education, providing free health services for pregnant women, nursing mothers and the elderly; and granting financial aids to petty traders and artisans.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Busuyi Alademehin, a former candidate for the House of Assembly election for the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), said: “We all resolved to join the PDP and mobilise all our supporters to vote for the party, principally because of the personality of Eyitayo Jegede.
He said: “Here is a man who has always been in touch with the common people, especially those at the grassroots; and we believe that if we elect him as our governor, he will do all within his powers to alleviate our suffering.
“No doubt, we had got tempting offers from the ruling APC, begging us to join them but we turned them down. We are better informed and are not ready to mortgage our future; not after these three and half years of neglect by those in the helm of affairs.”
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