The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has expressed concern over Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s handling of the state’s affairs since he assumed office 10 months ago, asserting that the people have been unfortunate with his emergence.
In a statement from Publicity Secretary Kennedy Peretei, the PDP emphasized that economic activities in the state have stagnated due to Aiyedatiwa’s failure to stimulate local growth. The opposition party criticized the governor regarding the funding approved for the construction of the deputy governor’s lodge and the asphalt overlay of roads in various regions.
“The people have closely examined the past 10 months of Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s governorship, and the verdict is a resounding failure,” the statement read.
The PDP highlighted that on July 22, 2024, over N35 billion was approved for road improvements in four Akoko Local Government Areas, as well as Ose, Owo, Ilaje, Idanre, and Akure. Three months later, they claimed, the roads remained unchanged despite the contracts.
Additionally, they noted that N217,881,308.00 was allocated for renovating the Deputy Governor’s Lodge, with a completion timeline of 12 weeks from July 22, 2024. Peretei pointed out that Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami has been residing in luxury accommodations at the Royal Birds Hotel & Towers in Akure, with costs covered by taxpayers, rather than utilizing funds to renovate his official residence.
“Is there anyone still in doubt that this set of leaders should be shown the way out of Government House come November 16? When they say they are lucky, they mean only their personal interests, not those of Ondo State,” the PDP statement concluded.
In response, the Director of Media and Publicity for the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC), Steve Otaloro, dismissed the PDP’s claims as false. He accused the PDP of desperation to undermine the Aiyedatiwa administration and the ruling party ahead of the November 16 governorship election.
“The PDP’s 12-year rule in Ondo State produced no tangible results. Their inability to provide a credible alternative to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s achievements has led them to resort to name-calling and lies,” Otaloro stated.
He further criticized the PDP for lacking human resources and organizational strategy, asserting that instead of running an issue-based campaign, they have become an attacking force. “We refuse to continue defending against their baseless attempts to malign us,” he added.
