Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, Otunba Olugbenga Peter Obafemi, has forcefully debunked rumors of his withdrawal from the Ekiti Governorship race, declaring that he remains fully on the ballot and is in the contest to win.
Obafemi made the clarification at exactly 11:37am today after casting his ballot at Ikole Ward 4, Polling Unit 16.
Speaking to journalists immediately after voting, a visibly defiant Obafemi described the rumors of his stepping down as desperate propaganda orchestrated by panic-stricken political opponents aiming to disenfranchise his supporters.
“Let me address the rumors and desperate propaganda head-on,” Obafemi stated. “Contrary to the falsehoods being spread, Otunba Olugbenga Peter Obafemi and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) are on the ballot. I have NOT stepped down. I have NOT withdrawn. I am in this race to win it for the ordinary citizens who are tired of being left in the dark.”
While the SDP standard-bearer commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its field officials for “trying their best under tough conditions,” he leveled heavy criticism against the administrative hitches marring the exercise.
Chief among his grievances was the late arrival of electoral materials in some polling units, which left enthusiastic voters stranded for hours.
“In a modern democracy, this administrative sluggishness is unacceptable,” Obafemi lamented, pointing to the long queues of citizens waiting under the scorching sun before voting could commence.
The election, according to Obafemi, has also been stained by coordinated voter intimidation and rampant financial inducement. He expressed deep concern over security failures, alleging that thugs were being deployed to scare away some SDP loyalists.
“Our people must be allowed to vote without a gun or a thug over their shoulders!” he warned.
Furthermore, Obafemi took aim at the state’s dominant political forces, accusing them of turning the election into an open marketplace.
“It is shameful,” Obafemi said. “They have impoverished our people for years, and now they want to buy your future for a temporary pittance. This does not reflect the Omoluabi heritage of honor that Ekiti is known for.”
