Civil Society Group Warns Tinubu Against Undermining Democracy in Ondo Governorship Poll

The Joint Action Council for Democratic Governance (JACODEG) has called on President Bola Tinubu to uphold his reputation as a democrat and ensure his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), does not derail the democratic process in the upcoming Ondo State Governorship Election.

In a statement released on Friday in Akure, JACODEG expressed concern over the actions of the APC, accusing the ruling party of employing violence and intimidation against opposition parties in the lead-up to the election scheduled for Saturday, November 16.

According to JACODEG’s Executive Director, Mr. Dennis Okparaocha, initial findings revealed that the APC had brought in thugs, led by a well-known transport union leader from Lagos State, to Ondo. Okparaocha alleged that these thugs have been involved in attacks against residents and opposition members, particularly in Idanre and other parts of the state.

The group appealed to international bodies, including the European Union, to closely observe the conduct of the APC during the Ondo Governorship Election, suggesting that their findings could influence future relations with the Tinubu-led Federal Government.

"We have been monitoring the actions of the ruling APC in Ondo State with caution as the governorship election approaches," the statement read. "Our preliminary reports indicate that the APC is using violence, threats, and intimidation in a desperate attempt to win the election at all costs. Additionally, there are plans to use financial inducements, continuing the trend of 'Dibo ko sebe' (vote-for-food) tactics first employed in 2016."

JACODEG further expressed disappointment with President Tinubu’s passive response to the political irregularities witnessed in Edo State, warning that a similar approach in Ondo could tarnish his democratic legacy.

"We still believe President Tinubu is a democrat," Okparaocha noted. "However, his 'siddon look' (hands-off) attitude towards recent political misconduct suggests otherwise. We urge him to intervene and prevent his party from undermining democracy in Ondo."

The Council concluded by urging international organisations with vested interests in democratic governance to scrutinize the conduct of the Ondo Governorship Election, using it as a measure for future engagements with Nigeria’s APC-led administration.