Ondo 2024: PDP, APC clash over alleged election rigging plans by Aiyedatiwa

Tamarauemi Ebimini

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Organisation in Ondo State has accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of plotting to compromise the upcoming governorship election by employing a private security firm to rig the process.

Aiyedatiwa, the governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), is set to compete against Agboola Ajayi of the PDP and 15 other candidates in the November 16 election.

Ayo Fadaka, spokesperson for Ajayi’s campaign organisation, alleged on Wednesday that the government plans to use violence facilitated by mercenaries. He cited a recent meeting in Idanre, where the security firm Global Olabod Resources claimed it was contracted to protect farmers and their properties. Fadaka claimed that the firm’s manager, Debo Ariyo, stated it had Governor Aiyedatiwa’s endorsement to manage all security activities in the state.

However, this claim was denied by Gbenga Atiba, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, who stated that the company was only tasked with enumerating farmers.

“We also note the visit to Ondo State last week of Musiliu Akinsanya, alias MC Oluomo, a Lagos-based APC enforcer. It is on record that Gov. Ayedatiwa rolled out the carpet to host him. Unconfirmed reports indicate that this fellow was gifted $1million at the end of his suspicious visit to Ondo State,” Fadaka alleged.

In response, Governor Aiyedatiwa dismissed the allegations as baseless, accusing the PDP of attempting to tarnish his reputation and distract from his achievements.

A statement from APC spokesperson Steve Otaloro affirmed Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to peace and security in Ondo State.

“The governor’s actions are legitimate efforts to enhance security, and we reject any claims of planned security breaches. We urge the PDP to focus on issue-based campaigning rather than spreading unfounded allegations,” Otaloro said.