Ondo People Unlucky with Aiyedatiwa’s Leadership, says PDP

The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concern over Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s handling of state affairs, describing his 10-month tenure as disappointing.

In a statement issued on Monday by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, the opposition lamented the deteriorating economic conditions in the state and criticized Aiyedatiwa’s failure to revitalize the local economy.

“The emergence of Aiyedatiwa has proven unfortunate for the people of Ondo State.

Economic activities are at their lowest ebb, with the governor showing no capacity to stimulate growth,” the statement read.

The PDP also criticized the state government for approving large sums for projects with little to show for them.

“On July 22, 2024, over N35 billion was approved for the asphalt overlay of roads across several areas, including Akoko, Ose, Owo, Ilaje, Idanre, Ondo, and Akure.

Three months later, these roads remain in the same deplorable condition,” the statement alleged.

Additionally, the opposition questioned the renovation of the Deputy Governor’s Lodge, for which N217.8 million was approved, set to be completed within 12 weeks from July 22.

“It is widely known that since assuming office, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, has been staying at the Royal Birds Hotel & Towers in Akure with his staff, all at taxpayers’ expense.

The funds wasted on hotel bills could have been used to complete his official residence,” the PDP added.

The party called for a change in leadership ahead of the November 16 governorship election, asserting, “This administration has failed the people.

When they say they are ‘lucky,’ it refers not to the citizens but to their own personal interests.”

In response, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the PDP’s claims as baseless. Steve Otaloro, the Director of Media and Publicity for APC in the state, accused the PDP of resorting to falsehoods to discredit the Aiyedatiwa administration ahead of the upcoming election.

“The PDP’s 12-year reign in Ondo State produced no meaningful results, and their inability to offer a credible alternative has driven them to engage in smear campaigns,” Otaloro stated.

He further criticized the opposition’s lack of strategy, saying, “The PDP has abandoned issue-based campaigns, choosing instead to attack Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration with baseless accusations.”

Otaloro concluded that the APC would not be distracted by the PDP’s “meritless efforts” and emphasized the administration’s focus on delivering development to the people of Ondo State.