Ondo PDP, APC bicker over campaign venue

Flags of the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party

The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has alleged that the All Progressives Congress-led government has denied it the venue to kick off their campaign ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

PDP alleged that it had earlier applied for the usage of the Democracy Park, in Akure, the state capital, for its campaign slated for October 15, 2024, but was later denied by the state government.

This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity of the PDP Campaign Organisation, Mr Ayo Fadaka.

The party, however, declared that despite the denial, it would still proceed to commence its campaign next week.

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.

“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.”

In its reaction, the state Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro, described the allegation of the PDP as “false and mischievous.”

“This allegation is not only false but also mischievous. Governor Aiyedatiwa does not have direct dealings with the management of Democracy Park, and as such, he cannot unilaterally deny any individual or organisation access to the facility.

“The governor is committed to upholding the principles of fairness and justice, and he would not engage in petty politics. It’s essential to note that the use of public facilities like Democracy Park is guided by established rules and regulations.

“If the PDP has fulfilled all requirements, including payment and paperwork, there’s no basis for denial. We urge the PDP to verify their claims and provide evidence of payment and approval,” Otaloro said.