PDP accuses Ondo govt of blocking campaign flag-off venue

The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of denying it access to a venue for the kickoff of its campaign ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

According to the PDP, it applied to use Democracy Park in Akure, the state capital, for its campaign scheduled for October 15, 2024, but the state government rejected the request.

The allegation was made in a statement issued on Saturday by Mr Ayo Fadaka, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity for the PDP Campaign Organisation. The party insisted that despite the denial, it would proceed with its campaign as planned 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 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 response, the APC, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Steve Otaloro, dismissed the PDP’s claims 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,” Otaloro said.

“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.”

He added, “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.”