Ondo PDP, APC trade words over campaign venue

The Ondo State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led state government of refusing its members access to a venue for their campaign ahead of the upcoming governorship election on November 16.

According to the opposition party, they had submitted a request to use the well-known Democracy Park in Akure, the state capital, for the launch of their campaign scheduled for October 15, 2024. However, their request was subsequently denied by the state authorities. This information was shared in a statement released on Saturday by Mr. Ayo Fadaka, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity for the PDP Campaign Organization.

Titled “Our Campaign Flag Off and Aiyedatiwa’s Pettiness,” the statement expressed the party’s disappointment but also announced their determination to proceed with the campaign despite the setback. The statement read, “We wish to inform the citizens of Ondo State that our campaign launch is set for October 15, 2024. We applied to the government for the use of Democracy Park, which is traditionally the venue for such events. The Aiyedatiwa administration has chosen to deny us access to this space, marking a first for any government in such a trivial and petty manner.”

The PDP further commented on the situation, reflecting on a time when the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was in office, noting that no political party was ever denied access to public spaces during his tenure. They criticized the current administration’s approach to governance, asserting, “This is a new low for Ondo State, and it must be addressed.”

The party affirmed its intention to hold the campaign launch in Akure, inviting attendees from across the state and beyond. They expressed regret over any potential disruptions caused by the gathering but emphasized that the responsibility lies with the current administration’s actions.

In response, the state’s Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Steve Otaloro, dismissed the PDP’s claims as false and mischievous. He stated that Governor Aiyedatiwa does not have direct involvement with the management of Democracy Park and cannot prevent any individual or group from using it.

Otaloro clarified, “This accusation is not only inaccurate but also misleading. Governor Aiyedatiwa does not oversee the park’s management, and he would not engage in petty politics. The use of public facilities like Democracy Park is regulated by specific rules. If the PDP has met all necessary requirements, including payments and paperwork, there should be no reason for denial. We encourage the PDP to validate their claims and provide proof of their application.”

He characterized the allegations as a desperate attempt to undermine the governor, who is also the APC candidate in the upcoming election. “Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration remains committed to transparency and good governance. We will not be distracted by baseless allegations and will continue to deliver on our promises to the people of Ondo State,” he added.

Otaloro concluded by urging the PDP to focus on constructive campaigning rather than spreading misinformation, emphasizing that the people of Ondo State deserve a more issue-focused approach.