The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has accused the All Progressives Congress-led government of denying them the use of Democracy Park in Akure, the state capital, for their campaign kickoff ahead of the November 16 governorship election.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity of the PDP Campaign Organisation, Mr. Ayo Fadaka, the party had applied to use the park on October 15, 2024, but was denied by the state government.
The statement read, “We wish to bring to the notice of the good people of Ondo State that our campaign flag-off is slated for the 15th of October 2024. Given the above, we applied to the government for the use of the Democracy Park, the usual arena that mandatorily hosts such events, and the Aiyedatiwa administration has decided to deny the PDP the use of the park, the first time any administration will prosecute such a cheap and petty goal.”
The PDP also expressed that they anticipated this action from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration, stating, “To say we did not anticipate this pedestrian action, will only indicate that we have not taken deep cognisance of the indecorous approach of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to governance.”
However, the state Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Steve Otaloro, quickly dismissed the allegations, calling them “false and mischievous.”
Otaloro clarified that Governor Aiyedatiwa doesn’t have direct control over the park’s management and therefore cannot unilaterally deny access. He emphasized that the use of public facilities like Democracy Park follows established rules and regulations.
Otaloro urged the PDP to provide evidence of payment and approval, saying, “If the PDP has fulfilled all requirements, including payment and paperwork, there’s no basis for denial.”
Despite the denial, the PDP remains determined to proceed with their campaign kickoff next week.
It’s worth noting that the PDP has already selected its governorship candidate, Hon. Ajayi Agboola, who won the party’s primary election with 264 votes.
The November 16 governorship election is expected to be a highly contested one, and this development has added to the tension between the two parties.