Ondo APC says Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Akoko tour focused on citizen engagement, denying PDP claims he distributed N10,000 handouts to residents
The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has denied allegations that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa distributed N10,000 handouts to residents during his Monday visit to the Akoko area.
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The Peoples Democratic Party, through its Director of Media and Public Communications Wande Ajayi, claimed the governor handed out cash and tokens to citizens across the four local government areas of Akoko.
The PDP argued that such gestures undermine the dignity of Ondo residents, stating that the governor should focus on commissioning completed projects and providing essential services.
Reacting to the claims, APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, insisted the visit was not a charitable exercise.
He described the tour as part of a democratic tradition that allows elected leaders to engage with citizens, assess projects, and acknowledge public support.
“Contrary to the PDP’s claims, this administration has not reduced governance to handouts or optics,” Otaloro said.
“The modest support extended to vulnerable citizens during the tour must be understood within the broader framework of social intervention and compassionate governance, particularly in a period of national economic adjustment.”
He added that the APC-led administration has prioritised fiscal prudence and project continuity across education, healthcare, road infrastructure, agriculture, and urban renewal, disputing opposition claims that projects are less than 20 per cent complete.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, on Monday, began a statewide tour of local government areas to express gratitude to residents for their support.
The visit covered Akoko North-West, Akoko North-East, Akoko South-East, and Akoko South-West. During his visit, he emphasised that his tour was to appreciate citizens and galvanise backing for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
“I am here to greet you and thank you. Some people say politicians do not return after elections.
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I have no election now. I only came to appreciate you all for your support for my administration,” the governor said.
