- Aiyedatiwa’s Performance Superlative -Ondo Commissioner
- Governor’s Performance Disappointing — PDP
By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Ondo State governorship debate that took place on Sunday has sparked a war of words between the camps of the ruling All Progressives’ Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
The incumbent governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, contesting on the platform of the APC will be facing toughest opposition from Agboola Ajayi, a former Deputy Governor, of the PDP.
The election has been scheduled for November 16. Both candidates took the spotlight to highlight their plans for the people of the state if elected as helmsman of the state.
Meanwhile, hours after the debate, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Mr Wale Akinlosetu, claimed his principal’s performance put his opponent’s in the shade.
Akinlosetu said Aiyedatiwa’s performance was top-notch as the governor highlighted his achievements across various sectors with aplomb.
According to Akinlosotu, Aiyedatiwa’s presentation “received a loud ovation from the audience,” showcasing him as “a reliable, tested, and trusted candidate” capable of taking Ondo State to “greater heights.”
“The governor’s performance at the debate reaffirms that the APC has a solid candidate who has proven his ability to deliver on promises. His superlative showing left his opponent bewildered, resorting to fabrications,” Akinlosotu stated.
He further argued that Aiyedatiwa’s achievements in office reflect the support he has from the state’s people, expressing confidence that the APC candidate will secure a decisive victory in the upcoming election due to his “fitness, integrity, character, and record of performance.”
However, the PDP fired back through a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity for the PDP Campaign Organization. Mr. Ayo Fadaka.
Fadaka dismissed the commissioner’s remarks as a “distortion of the actual events,” asserting that Aiyedatiwa’s performance during the debate was lacklustre and disappointing.
He said:”The world watched as a governor who couldn’t provide clear answers, statistical analyses, or insights into pressing state matters stumbled through the debate.
“Aiyedatiwa was visibly uneasy and struggled to coordinate his responses. His inability to disclose the specifics of his monthly security votes speaks volumes about transparency.”
He continued, “Our aspiration to elect a governor with the experience to handle the responsibilities of office was reaffirmed as Aiyedatiwa’s lacklustre performance resonated with the public.”
Fadaka also criticized the Information Commissioner’s account of the debate, suggesting that his attempts to “whitewash” the governor’s image were apparent.
