Jonathan stresses FG's commitment to free, fair election in Ondo State

The president gave the assurance  at the inauguration of the PDP National Campaign Committee for the Oct. 20 election.

Jonathan, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, reiterated that the Federal Government would ensure that the will of the people prevailed at the exercise.

``I want to seize this singular opportunity to again reiterate that the president stands on free and fair elections.

``I want to reassure you that this time round, government will ensure that there will be free and friar election in Ondo,’’ Jonathan said.

He urged the state party members to deliver their wards and councils,  which were critical to delivering the state to the party.

Dr Sam Sam Jaja, the PDP Deputy National Chairman, who inaugurated the committee on behalf of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the party`s Chairman, expressed optimism that PDP would emerge victorious at the election.

``I am confident that by the grace of God, we will win convincingly,’’ Jaja said.

He said that Ondo was a PDP-controlled state and very important to the party, adding that it was distressful when the party lost the state through a judicial process.

Jaja stressed that the party`s resolve to win the election informed the setting up of the committee, headed by the vice-president.

He added that the general acceptance of Mr Olusola Oke, the party`s flag- bearer, indicated that ``Ondo will return to the comity of PDP states.’’  

He called on the electorate to vote for the candidate whom he described as ``a quantitative governor in the waiting’’.

Jaja urged the party members in the state to campaign vigorously for the candidate to ensure the party`s success.

He further urged INEC and other stakeholders to ensure that peace and harmony prevailed during the poll.

``Every step should be taken to ensure a level playing field in line with the resolve of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan that in all we do, we should observe the rule of law,’’ Jaja said.

The slogan of the party's campaign is ``deliver your ward, deliver your local government and deliver the state’’.

Other members of the committee are the Senate President, Sen. David Mark, South-West governors and members of PDP National Executive Committee.