As Ondo State gears up for its November 16 governorship election, tension has emerged between the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. Wike, addressing the ongoing campaign, expressed doubts about Makinde’s intensive efforts to rally support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Ondo, Agboola Ajayi. Wike, a member of the PDP, conveyed his scepticism, reportedly saying, “I pity my friend Seyi… he is doing all he can; I don’t know how it will work,” implying that Makinde might be overexerting himself in a challenging political climate.
This comment stirred responses from groups like the Ondo Freedom Movement, which accused Wike of attempting to undermine Makinde’s pro-democracy initiatives. The coalition argued that Makinde’s push for a fair electoral process was essential to ensuring the people’s votes were respected. They voiced concerns over potential manipulation attempts and rallied support for both Makinde’s role and the PDP’s candidate.
Makinde has also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold neutrality by replacing the current Resident Electoral Commissioner, whom he believes has ties to Ondo State. Makinde insists this change is crucial to preventing bias and maintaining election integrity.