As the political parties jostling for the November 25, 2016 governorship seat in Ondo State get set to flag-off their campaigns proper, a pressure group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)- the PDP Reform Group -has admonished Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim to retrace his steps.
The PDP Reform group urged Ibrahim to “deeply reflect on the propriety of his current political misadventure as a PDP parody-candidate” and “think critically about posterity and what tomorrow will record for him.”
In a statement signed by its convener, Ariyo-Dare Atoye, the group described the action of the business mogul as “a needless voyage of distraction that will only benefit narrow-minded sycophants who are spurring him on, so as to get crumbs that will help them to cushion the effect of recession.
“You will recall that in a difficult bid to justify their political presence, the supposed campaign team of Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim had alleged that his campaign office in Akure was vandalised by some thugs who came in a PDP branded bus belonging to the candidate of our party, Eyitayo Jegede.
“Aside the fact that it was a ridiculous, puerile, cynical and school-boy allegation, cooked-up using such a contrived vandalisation ploy to justify formidability in an election process in which Barrister Ibrahim’s disguised participation lacks legitimacy, is unfortunate, wicked and a propaganda taken too far.
“We wish to remind Barrister Ibrahim that allowing himself to be used is this distractive manner is not good for his business exploits and profile and we urge him to, in the interest of a good name, fear of God and posterity, jettison this avoidable petty political commotion and support the candidate of the PDP, Eyitayo Jegede.
“It is not too late for him to retrace his steps and support the PDP wholeheartedly to win on November 25. The current travail of some former PDP members in the APC is enough lessons for everyone in the PDP to close ranks and work together to salvage this nation from those who have plunged it into an avoidable recession.”
The group, however, observed that Ibrahim has all the necessary qualifications to be a governor, but “such dream and aspiration must be pursued logically and in a dignifying manner. Barrister Ibrahim has more than what it takes to be a President, but we urge him to do it in a proper and legitimate manner.”
The PDP Reform Group also tasked various security agencies participating in the electoral process to ensure that no space is exploited by fifth columnists to cause any breach or undermine the peace of Ondo State.
“We wish to appeal to our hardworking security agencies to provide adequate cover for the major candidates, as well protect the campaign offices against intruders, “ the group added.