Nationwide Protest: Reserve Your Energy for November 2024 Election, Eschew Violence – PRP Governorship Candidate Urges Ondo State Residents

Nationwide Protest: Reserve Your Energy for November 2024 Election, Eschew Violence – PRP Governorship Candidate Urges Ondo State Residents

In light of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1st to 10th, 2024, Babatunde Francis Alli (BFA), the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) candidate for the November 2024 Governorship Election, has called on residents of Ondo State to stand in solidarity with other concerned citizens while reserving their protest efforts for the upcoming election. Alli underscored the fundamental right to peaceful protest but noted that such actions have often failed to hold the ruling class accountable.

Alli advised caution among Ondo State residents, particularly the youths, recommending they avoid the planned protest due to its apparent lack of identifiable leadership for dialogue—a crucial component for effective protests. “Without clear leadership, such protests almost invariably end poorly,” Alli warned. “How can we measure the impact or identify representatives for government dialogue? How can we prevent sabotage or ensure security? On what ground can the entire Constitution be scrapped as being reportedly demanded by some people, and what would replace it? Are we not aware that some individuals are already calling for anarchy with such demand?” he queried.

While advocating for adherence to legal boundaries should the protest proceed, Alli emphasized the importance of electoral engagement as a more assured path towards expressing dissatisfaction with bad governance. “Failing to participate in the political process or allowing ourselves to be manipulated by politicians for their selfish interests, only to resort to protests later, is unwise. You can’t deliberately ingest poison and then cry foul,” he emphasized.

Alli urged Ondo State residents to channel their energies and frustrations into the ongoing electoral process, advocating for good governance by voting out ineffective leadership. “Voter apathy is one of the reasons we are facing these troubles. Imagine if we all vote for the candidate of our collective choice. In October 2020 for example, only 34 percent of Ondo State registered voters participated in the election, meaning those who did not vote did more to bring the present government to power.

“We must vote massively to install a government that is people-oriented and forward-thinking on the platform of the PRP come November, or the rhetoric will continue” Alli stated. He cautioned that despite the right to protest against hardships, some individuals are ready to exploit such movements for personal gains, often to the detriment of the general populace.

Concluding his statement, Alli called on the APC-led administration in Ondo State to fulfill its obligations effectively during its remaining tenure. “The excuse that the entire world is facing challenges is untenable. A pragmatic approach to governance, leveraging the state’s inherent resources for the benefit of its residents, and prioritizing governance over politics can distinguish a state from others,” he concluded.