By: Feyisayo Ayodele
The poignant lyrics of Nigerian artist Burna Boy, “We are the monsters you’ve made,” reflect a deep-seated frustration that resonates strongly with countless Nigerians, including those in my constituency of Akoko Northeast/Northwest in Ondo State. The sentiments captured in these lyrics articulate a collective disillusionment with a government that has failed its people.
Over the past nine years under the APC administration, our region has been engulfed by severe poverty, pervasive corruption, rampant nepotism, and rising insecurity. These issues have been exacerbated by a leadership that has consistently ignored the needs and voices of its citizens. Despite my tireless efforts as a dedicated member of the APC from 2015 until my transition to the PDP in July 2024, my contributions were met with disdain and electoral manipulation orchestrated by a key figure in the current administration. This individual, the Minister of the FCT, has been a central figure in undermining democratic processes. His tenure has been marked by blatant election rigging and the use of thugs to intimidate and destroy the properties of those who dare to challenge him.
I had previously alerted both the leaders of our community and even the late Governor about these issues, but my warnings fell on deaf ears. As a result, our community has been systematically oppressed by a regime that has turned APC into a vehicle for authoritarian control rather than democratic governance. For over five years, the Minister and his faction have dominated our community with an iron fist, ensuring that only their supporters benefit from rigged elections and appointments, while the rest of us are left to scrape by on the crumbs that fall from their table.
Now, the consequences of their actions are becoming evident. As the APC’s grip weakens and internal discord grows, the Minister’s attempts to rectify the situation with deceitful promises and ill-gotten funds are failing to stem the tide of discontent. The people of Akoko Northeast/Northwest are increasingly abandoning the APC, rejecting the oppression they have endured for years.
In light of this, I implore the people of our constituency to unite with the PDP and support Agboola Ajayi, who offers a beacon of hope with his proven track record of achievements and a forward-thinking seven-point agenda designed to propel our state towards progress. We must seize this opportunity to end the cycle of exploitation and build a brighter future for ourselves and our families.
Additionally, I urge the aspirants from the APC who have been victims of election rigging in recent by-elections to speak out and join forces with the PDP. We need to stand together to rid our community of these tyrants and restore true democratic values.
Remember, you have treated us as monsters, and so we have become. However, we will not be intimidated. Even if the Minister and his supporters resort to deploying thugs or using security forces to intimidate us on election day, we are prepared to expose their tactics to the international community. We recall the recent revocation of visas for high-ranking officials involved in election misconduct during the last presidential election, and we will not tolerate such actions in our state.
Thousands of Ondo state indigents are decamping from APC to PDP on a daily basis.
In order to stop the mass exodus. The FCT minister has resorted back to his old tactics of broken promises of audio money.
As we speak he’s asked his cohorts to generate a list of 100 people from each ward ,he wants to give 100k to. The last audio giveaway he did.
The money is still in his imagination the people are yet to see it. I asked the great people of Akoko Northeast/Northwest to reject his audio money and join hands with PDP to remove his pseudo political errand boys from our community.
I employ the Minister to come down off of his high horse to the communities and he will see that just as he’s giving out audio money. once the FCT minister understands this he can then reconnect with the people of Ondo state..
In life you can only get back what you give out. The people of Ondo state want life ,liberty and the pursuit of happiness for themselves and others around them.
Once the FTC understands this maybe he can reconnect with the people.
The monsters you have made will not be silenced. We are ready to ensure that the truth about the atrocities committed in our community is brought to light.
On election day, we will stand firm and demand justice. The future of Akoko Northeast/Northwest and our state depends on our collective action and resolve.
See you on election day.
