From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has pegged its nomination and expression of interest forms at N12.5 million, ahead of the Ondo State governorship election.
ADP National Chairman, Yabaji Sani, stated this in Abuja when an aspirant, Ayodeji Emmanuel Akinnodi, picked the forms.
Sani expressed confidence that the party would trounce the two dominant parties — People’s Democratic Party PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls.
He said Nigeria needed a younger person to lead the state, adding that the recent election in Senegal, where 44-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected as the 5th President, is a source of inspiration.
He said: “We believe that empowering young individuals to assume leadership roles is a crucial step towards resolving our current challenges. They bring energy and fresh perspectives that can transform governance.
“The nation is eager to break free from the status quo of inertia. What Nigeria needs now is effective leadership that can propel us forward.
“TThe recent election in Senegal, where 44-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected as the 5th President, is a source of inspiration. It demonstrates a shift towards youth leadership in Africa.
“President Faye represents the potential for social transformation, economic development, and a peaceful and prosperous Senegal.
“He has become a symbol of democracy, not only for his nation but for all who cherish democratic values worldwide.
“He is Africa’s youngest president, President Faye has the responsibility to set a new standard for governance and to inspire young leaders across the continent, including our own gubernatorial aspirant.
“We urge the people of Ondo State to support our candidate, who is young, dynamic, and committed to transforming the fortunes of the Sunshine State.”
On his part, Akinnodi, promised to address insecurity, joblessness and the healthcare in the state, if elected.
“We have been hearing that we the youths are the leaders of tomorrow. But that has not materialized.
“We are going to bring leadership in the state. The state has been experiencing banditry, people cannot sleep with their eyes closed. As the governor of the state, I will tackle all the problems.
“Akerodolu tried. He played the role of a father. The Owo crisis gave him the courage to set up Amatekun. Again, empowerment, we all say this and that on empowerment, Government will come and go without doing enough. We are going to address that. We will create jobs. We are going to have 90% youth in the government,” he said.