The candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo, Hon. Gbenga Edema, has expressed disappointment over the failure of the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Ighodalo Asue, and his All Progressives Congress (APC) Monday Okpebholo to attend the governorship debate organised in the state last week.
Edema who stated this in a statement signed by the spokesperson of his campaign organisation, Oluwatosin Ayeni, described the absence of the two candidates from the debate as an affront and disrespect to the electorate.
Edema maintained that the action of the duo denies the people, particularly the electorate, their fundamental right to evaluate the policies and visions of those seeking to govern them.
According to him, the failure of the two candidates to show up at the governorship debate organised by the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in conjunction with the Nigeria, Elections Debate Group (NEDG) and the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) ahead of Saturday’s election in the state is an affront to the people of the state.
Edema maintained that the refusal of the candidate to participate in the debate was a lack of respect for the voters, who are entitled to assess those seeking public office.
Edema however, called on the people of the Euro state to reject the two parties at the poll on Saturday, saying such impunity on the electorate by the two political parties would not be tolerated in Ondo State.
He said: “It is unacceptable for candidates who aspire to lead our states to avoid direct engagement with the people they wish to govern.
“The electorate deserves to hear directly from the candidates about their visions and plans for the future. By not presenting their policies and ideas, they (APC and PDP candidates) are dismissing the intelligence of the electorate.
“PDP and APC do not deserve the votes of the people. It is time for a more responsive and responsible party to take the reins of governance. The NNPP represents a new vision that prioritises the needs and aspirations of the people.
“The people of Ondo deserve to know what candidates have in store for them. Our state’s future should not be left to chance or to those who are unwilling to engage with the public.
“Let us stand together and ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear at the polls”
