JONATHAN PROMISES FREE, FAIR ELECTION IN EKITI

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday pledged that the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State will be free and fair.

He warned that any party or candidate banking on rigging or violence during the election will be hugely disappointed.




“We are going to provide adequate security that would enhance one man, one vote. I am not in Ekiti today to convert you because by this crowd, you have shown that you are for the PDP,” he said.

“So, don’t be afraid of thuggery during the election. We shall provide adequate security to ensure one man, one vote, one woman, one vote and one youth, one vote. Anyone who brings thugs does that at his own peril.”

With the president were Vice President Namadi Sambo; National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu; Senate President, David Mark; Leader of the House of Representatives, Mulikat Akande-Adeola and Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih.

Others were the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Godswill Akpabio, PDP National Executive Council members present included Governors Idris Wada (Kogi), Liyel Imoke

(Cross River), Theodore Orji (Abia); former governors Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto), Diepreye Alamieyeigha (Bayelsa), Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo) and Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano), Senators Iyiola Omisore, Hosea Ehinlanwo and Bode Olajumoke; Chief Olusola Oke; and the Alafao of Afao Ekiti, Oba Joseph Ademilua.

The party’s National Chairman who handed over the PDP flag to Fayose and his running mate Dr Olusola Eleka expressed confidence that PDP would win by popular votes.

His words: “When Ekiti votes for PDP, they will be better for it. We are going to embark on people-oriented programmes that will touch positively on your lives.”

Senator Mark described Fayose as a born again who “would serve you well and put smiles on your faces once again.”

Fayose promised to slash fees in public schools if returned to power.

He said:” Contracts of the state will no longer go to foreigners because I will consider local content. I pledge to you today that if you elect me, I shall look after you.

President Jonathan spoke in Ado Ekiti during the presentation of the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Mr. Ayodele Fayose, the party’s candidate in the election.