The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has rejected opposition allegations that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa distributed cash handouts to residents during a recent visit to the Akoko region.
The dispute arose after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the governor of giving ₦10,000 and other tokens to people in the four Akoko local government areas during his Monday visit. In a statement issued by the PDP’s Director of Media and Public Communications, Wande Ajayi, the opposition described the gesture as inappropriate and undignified for the people of Ondo State.
According to the PDP, the governor’s focus should be on presenting completed government projects rather than distributing cash and tokens, which it characterized as an attempt to mask governance shortcomings. The party argued that after more than two years in office, Aiyedatiwa should be prioritizing essential public services such as functioning schools, equipped hospitals, good roads, job creation, and a strengthened state economy.
In response, the APC’s Director of Media and Publicity in Ondo State, Steve Otaloro, dismissed the PDP’s allegations as unfounded. Otaloro said the governor’s visit to Akoko was part of a longstanding democratic practice that allows elected officials to interact directly with citizens, listen to their concerns, and show appreciation for public support. He stressed that the programme was not a substitution for governance or charitable handouts.
Otaloro explained that the modest assistance provided to vulnerable individuals during the tour should be viewed within the context of social intervention, especially amid broader national economic adjustments. He reiterated the APC’s position that providing relief while pursuing development planning represents responsible governance.
On the issue of project execution and transparency, Otaloro affirmed that the administration has maintained fiscal discipline since assuming office and has continued the orderly implementation of inherited and new government initiatives. He said projects in areas such as education, healthcare, road infrastructure, agriculture, and urban renewal remain at various stages of delivery.
He also criticised the PDP’s assertion that project completion rates were below 20 per cent, describing such claims as inaccurate and politically motivated.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who began the tour on December 15, 2025, visited Akoko North-West, Akoko North-East, Akoko South-East, and Akoko South-West local government areas. During the engagements, he thanked residents for their support and encouraged continued backing for his administration and for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Speaking at one of the events, Aiyedatiwa said he was in the communities to express gratitude rather than to campaign, emphasizing his intent to engage directly with citizens to hear their views on governance.
