Sam Philip
Peoples Democratic Party Campaign Organization and All Progressives Congress(APC) currently trading words over the availability of MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure, for use by the opposition, Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), for its gubernatorial election campaign.
PDP campaign organization had alleged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of denying themp of using MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure, for the flag-off of its campaign.
In a statement signed by Ayo Fadaka, the Special Adviser, Media/Publicity of PDP Campaign Organization, on Saturday, PDP alleged that it applied to use the Park but was denied.
Fadaka alleged in the statement that PDP planned to flag off its governorship election campaign on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, and applied to the appropriate government agency in charge of the Democracy Park for its use but was turned down.
However, Fadaka said I’m spite of the denial, the party would still hold its campaign in Akure, the state capital on the fixed date.
In a swift reaction, the Director, Media and Publicity of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Steve Otaloro has dismissed PDP’s allegation as false and mischievous.
He noted there wouldn’t be any reason to deny PDP the use of the Park if it met all the laid down conditions for the use of the facility.
Fadaka’s statement reads in parts: “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.
“In view of the above, we applied to Government for the use of the Democracy Park, the usual arena that mandatorily host such events and the Aiyedatiwa administration has decided to deny the PDP the use of the Park, the first time ever 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 Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa to governance.
“We recall that in years the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was in power, not once was any political Party denied use of public space, that was a statesman, now Ondo State is unlucky to have a worse variant in its saddle, this degeneracy must be taken care of.
“We however declare that we are going to hold our Campaign Flagoff in Akure, as people from across the State and nation will grace the event, we regret whatever inconvenience our gathering may have and apologise in advance, however please note that the irresponsibility of the pedestrian government is the cause.
“We however wish to pointedly underscore the fact that once a fire is set, there is no hiding the flames, the PDP is set for this election and we will win, no cheap, petty and pedestrian attitude will stop that.”
Otaloro in his reaction said Governor Aiyedatiwa does not have direct dealing with the management of the Park and couldn’t have denied PDP the use of the Park.
In his statement, Otaloro said: “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 organization 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.
“We view this allegation as a desperate attempt to score cheap political points. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability. We will not be distracted by frivolous allegations and will continue to focus on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Ondo State.
“We advise the PDP to focus on issue-based campaigning rather than spreading falsehoods and misinformation. The people of Ondo State deserve better.”