The political landscape in Ondo State is experiencing a seismic shift as the gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA), gains unprecedented traction, causing visible anxiety within the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In a strongly worded statement released earlier today, the SDP campaign team accused both major parties of spreading false rumors about OBA’s alleged defection, interpreting these actions as signs of growing desperation.
“Both the APC and PDP are resorting to propaganda, claiming that OBA is working to collapse our structure for their benefit,” said Femi Arowolo, Acting Director of Media and Publicity for the SDP campaign. “This is clear evidence of their jitters in the face of OBA’s surging popularity.”
The statement also revealed that the SDP has been witnessing a “mass exodus” of members from the APC and PDP, further underlining the shifting political allegiances in the state.
Prof. Joshua Oguntuwase, a political scientist, noted, “The fact that both major parties are scrambling to associate themselves with OBA indicates a significant shift in Ondo’s political dynamics. The SDP has clearly emerged as a formidable third force.”
The SDP ticket, featuring OBA and his running mate Erelu Gbemisola Susan Alabi, is positioning itself as an untainted alternative to the established parties. Their campaign is focusing on a promise of transformation, capitalizing on voter fatigue with the status quo.
In a direct challenge to the incumbent, the SDP called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to “cease these undignified attempts at propaganda and instead focus on addressing his administration’s glaring failures.”
As the November 16, 2024 election approaches, this development signals a potential three-way race, breaking the traditional APC-PDP dominance in Ondo State politics. The SDP’s ability to maintain this momentum could reshape the political landscape of the Sunshine State.
