The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has denied allegations that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa distributed N10,000 handouts to residents during his visit to the Akoko area on Monday.
The Peoples Democratic Party, through its Director of Media and Public Communications, Wande Ajayi, claimed the governor shared cash and tokens with people in the four local government areas of Akoko.
The PDP stated, “At this point in his tenure, the governor ought to be embarking on a statewide commissioning tour of completed projects rather than parading communities to share N10,000 handouts and token gestures that insult the dignity of the people of Ondo State. Our people are not beggars, and Ondo State is not a charity home.
“After two years in office, the governor must account for the billions of naira that have accrued to the state, including federal allocations, internally generated revenue, and special intervention funds.
“What Ondo people deserve are functional schools, equipped hospitals, motorable roads, job opportunities, and a revitalised economy, not envelopes and handouts meant to mask governance failure.”
Reacting, APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, said the governor’s visit did not involve charity or serve as a substitute for governance.
He explained that such tours were a longstanding democratic tradition, allowing elected leaders to engage citizens, listen to concerns, assess projects, and express appreciation for public support.
Otaloro added, “Contrary to the PDP’s claims, this administration has not reduced governance to handouts or optics.
“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.
“A government that acknowledges hardship and provides relief alongside long-term development planning is acting responsibly, not insultingly.
“On project delivery and fiscal accountability, the APC-led government has nothing to hide. Since assuming office, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has prioritised continuity, fiscal prudence, and the orderly execution of inherited and newly initiated projects.
“Across education, healthcare, road infrastructure, agriculture, and urban renewal, projects are at various stages of execution, many of which are verifiable on the ground.
“The opposition’s blanket claim that projects are below 20 per cent completion is not only inaccurate but intellectually dishonest.
“It is also disingenuous for the PDP to suddenly assume the posture of defenders of civil servants, pensioners, and public infrastructure.
“Ondo people are well aware of the legacy of abandoned projects, unpaid entitlements, and policy inconsistency that characterised PDP administrations in the state.”
Aiyedatiwa, on Monday, December 15, 2025, began a statewide tour of local government areas to thank the people at the grassroots.
The tour started with the four Akoko local government areas of Akoko North-West, Akoko North-East, Akoko South-East and Akoko South-West, where the governor thanked residents for their support and galvanised 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. I have no election now. I only came to appreciate you all for your support for my administration,” he said during the visit.
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