APC has eroded democratic gains, Fayose alleges

GOVERNOR Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has said that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has allegedly eroded the democratic gains Nigeria had made when it came to power in 2015.

Governor Fayose, who spoke at a meeting with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants for the coming national and state House of Assembly elections, reiterated his allegation that the APC stole the people’s mandate in the last governorship election in the state and that they would reclaim it.

Fayose said God would intervene in the political and leadership affairs of Nigeria, saying the nation was on the precipice and can tilt over.

He said it was unfortunate that the ruling APC had allegedly “eroded all democratic gains it inherited when it came to power in 2015,” saying “the level of desperation, intimidation and harassment being meted out to the opposition by the APC” was “disheartening and dangerous to democracy.”

Fayose said: “I just want to let Nigerians know that divine intervention is what they should be praying for as far as the situation in the country is concerned. And I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. For instance, what happened last week to Lawal Daura, the erstwhile boss of the Department of State Service (DSS) is a finger of God intervening in Nigeria’s matter.

“We are in this mess because the level of desperation and intimidation we are currently witnessing in the country is unprecedented.

Opposition figures are hounded into jail. Accounts of state government are frozen for no just reason. Look at what happened in Benue State. We must pray hard for divine intervention and I am sure God will prove Himself that He is the one in charge.”

The governor called on the PDP aspirants and PDP supporters not to despair, urging them to show courage in the face of their current political challenges.

He, however, warned the aspirants against dropping his name, saying he had no anointed among them.

On a demand by the aspirants that the fees for their forms were too high, Governor Fayose said those prescribed to be paid to the national leadership of the party could not be touched, but later consulted with members of the state working committee of the party to reduce the fees payable at the local level.

He said the leadership of the party in the state, headed by Gboyega Oguntuwase, would communicate the decision on the fees to the national leadership of the PDP in Abuja.

He equally assured them of a level playing ground, saying he would not be biased in rendering his support no matter how close or dear any of them is to him.

On the matter before the tribunal, Fayose said: “We will reclaim our mandate. Let me assure you that my destiny is tied to yours and I will continue to be committed to this cause until you retrieve your mandate. The Journey of life is beyond today, we have seen today but no one has seen tomorrow. I believe God will return this mandate.

“I appreciate your courage. Life is full of challenges and gives opportunities. Certain things happen for you to know who your real friends are. It gives you the stamina o carry on also. Ekiti people and even your detractors will celebrate you.”

He charged them to keep hope alive, saying “for, beyond you, Ekiti people out there are in pain. Go to town you will see that the people who stole the mandate cannot celebrate it as the common man there are more pained.”