By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has rejected claims that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa distributed N10,000 handouts to residents during his visit to the Akoko area on Monday.
The allegation was made by the Peoples Democratic Party through its Director of Media and Public Communications, Wande Ajayi, who claimed that the governor shared cash and tokens with people across the four local government areas of Akoko.
In a statement, the PDP said, “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.”
Responding, the APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, described the allegation as a misrepresentation of the purpose and conduct of the governor’s visit.
He said the tour did not involve charity nor was it intended to replace governance, adding that such engagements were a long-established democratic tradition that allowed elected officials to interact directly with citizens.
Otaloro explained that the visits provided opportunities for leaders to listen to community concerns, assess projects and appreciate public support.
“Contrary to the PDP’s claims, this administration has not reduced governance to handouts or optics,” he 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.
“A government that acknowledges hardship and provides relief alongside long-term development planning is acting responsibly, not insultingly.”
He also dismissed criticisms of the administration’s performance and financial management, insisting there was nothing to hide.
“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.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa began a statewide tour of local government areas on Monday, December 15, 2025, starting with the four Akoko councils of Akoko North-West, Akoko North-East, Akoko South-East and Akoko South-West.
During the visit, he thanked residents for their support and urged continued 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,” the governor said.
Hon. Comrade James Onifade