Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Leaders in Ondo State Express Concern Over Governor Akeredolu’s Absence

In a developing political saga, the youth leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State have raised their voices against the extended absence of the state’s governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, who recently returned from a medical vacation in Germany and has chosen to remain in his personal residence in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. This situation has sparked reactions from various quarters within the state.

The PDP youth leaders had earlier issued a stern three-day ultimatum to Governor Akeredolu to return to Ondo State, a deadline that expired on Thursday.

Addressing the media at the state party secretariat in Akure on Friday, Mr. Oluyi Tayo, the convener of the PDP youth wing, stressed that the group is prepared to pursue legal action against the governor should he persist in his absence from the state. He emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional provisions to ensure the effective functioning of the government.

Tayo stated, “We have written a letter to the state House of Assembly, and as we speak, our people are there to deliver the letter. We expect the lawmakers to receive the letter, and we will make a copy of the received letter available to journalists shortly.”

He continued, “We are ready, as the main opposition party, to take the governor to court or even the Speaker if they fail to invoke Section 189(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on him. It is also within our legal rights to take to the streets if they fail to address this matter because our demands are straightforward. We cannot have a governor who has yet to address the citizens since his return from a medical vacation. If the governor is indeed fit, he should come out and address the good people of Ondo State; this should not be too much to ask.”

In a contrasting perspective, the youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West zone have criticized the call made by the Peoples Democratic Party. Mr. Lawal Kolade, the South-West Youth Leader of the APC, speaking on behalf of other youth leaders in Akure, described the PDP as a party in disarray and on the decline in the state.

Kolade remarked, “There is no doubt that Akeredolu is well-loved by the people of Ondo State, as evidenced by their massive electoral support and prayers during his challenging times. It is, however, highly illogical for the state chapter of the PDP to demand his resignation or impeachment by the state House of Assembly.”

He further added, “This reflects the confusion and decline within the PDP due to the electoral defeats they have suffered in various elections in the state, primarily resulting from Governor Akeredolu’s popularity.”

Kolade concluded optimistically, “The decision of Governor Akeredolu to seek rest and adjust his normal work schedule to facilitate a full recovery underscores his human nature, reminding us that even leaders are not exempt from the trials of flesh and blood. We are confident that he will soon make a complete recovery and physically rejoin us in governance.”