The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State have engaged in a heated war of words over allegations that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa distributed ₦10,000 to residents during his tour of the Akoko region on Monday, December 15.
The PDP accused the governor of “insulting the dignity” of Ondo citizens by allegedly sharing cash and token gifts instead of showcasing developmental achievements.
In a statement by its Director of Media and Public Communications, Wande Ajayi, the PDP criticised the governor for what it described as misplaced priorities.
“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 ₦10,000 handouts and token gestures that insult the dignity of the people of Ondo State,” the statement read.
“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,” Ajayi said.
According to the PDP, the people deserve “functional schools, equipped hospitals, motorable roads, job opportunities, and a revitalised economy,” not handouts meant to cover governance deficiency.
The ruling APC, however, dismissed the claims as false and politically motivated. In a counter-statement, the APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, said the governor’s visit was not a handout exercise but a democratic tradition of engaging directly with citizens.
“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.
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He argued that the governor’s trip was focused on connecting with the grassroots, assessing projects, and showing appreciation.
“A government that acknowledges hardship and provides relief alongside long-term development planning is acting responsibly, not insultingly,” he stated.
Otaloro further defended the Aiyedatiwa administration’s record, insisting that it is delivering across multiple sectors.
“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 project execution,” he said.
He accused the PDP of hypocrisy, citing its past failures in governance.
“It is disingenuous for the PDP to suddenly assume the posture of defenders of civil servants and pensioners.
“Ondo people still remember the legacy of abandoned projects, unpaid entitlements, and policy inconsistencies under PDP administrations,” Otaloro added.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, during his visit to the Akoko North-West, North-East, South-East, and South-West local government areas, thanked residents for their support.
“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.
The governor’s grassroots tour marks the start of a statewide visit to all local governments, with the APC describing it as part of efforts to strengthen citizen engagement, while the PDP insists it is a political ploy disguised as humanitarian outreach.