The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the leading opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State have engaged in a war of words over use of a campaign venue ahead of the November 16 governorship election in the state.
Daily Trust reports that no fewer than 18 political parties have fielded candidates for the election while campaigns have already commenced.
The PDP alleged that the APC led-government of Governor Aiyedatiwa had denied its members use of the popular M.K.O. Abiola Democracy Park in Akure, to campaign for its candidate, Agboola Ajayi.
The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, PDP Campaign Organisation, Ayo Fadaka, in a statement at the weekend said the party had applied for the use of the venue for its campaign scheduled for October 15, 2024, but the state government allegedly rejected to grant its request.
But in a swift response, the APC dismissed the allegation, describing it as untrue and mischievous.
The APC, in a statement by its spokesperson, Steve Otaloro, said, “This allegation is not only false but also mischievous,” adding that the governor has no direct dealing with the management of the venue and could not have stopped anyone from accessing or using it.
Earlier, the police had issued a stern warning to political parties not to engage in any form of violence before, during and after the election.
