Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed frustration over being denied access to Democracy Park for the launch of its governorship campaign.

The PDP Campaign Organisation accused the state government of deliberately blocking their event, a move they described as intolerant and undemocratic in the lead-up to the gubernatorial election.

In a statement on Saturday, Mr. Ayo Fadaka, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the PDP campaign, explained that the party had formally applied to use the venue for its October 15 campaign flag-off.

However, the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa rejected their request, marking what Fadaka called an unprecedented and petty action by any administration in the state.

“To say we did not anticipate this pedestrian action will only indicate that we have not taken deep cognizance of the indecorous approach of Governor Aiyedatiwa to governance,” Fadaka stated.

He recalled that during the tenure of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, no political party was ever denied access to public spaces, praising Akeredolu as a true statesman.

“Now Ondo State is unlucky to have a worse variant in its saddle,” he lamented, calling for an end to what he described as a “degeneracy” in governance.

Despite the setback, Fadaka confirmed that the PDP will still proceed with its campaign flag-off in Akure. He acknowledged that the event might cause some disruptions but placed the blame squarely on the “irresponsibility” of the state government.

“We regret whatever inconvenience our gathering may cause and apologize in advance, but note that the pedestrian government is the cause.”

Fadaka concluded with a warning: “Once a fire is set, there is no hiding the flames.” He reaffirmed the PDP’s confidence in winning the upcoming election, stating that “no cheap, petty, and pedestrian attitude will stop that.”

ROAMAN NEWS

Sokoto State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is currently facing a deep internal division that has split the party into two opposing camps.

One faction is led by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto North, while the other is under the leadership of Senator Ibrahim Lamido of Sokoto Central.

Senator Wamakko, a former governor and long-time leader of the APC in Sokoto, now finds himself confronting growing opposition from Lamido’s camp. This emerging rivalry threatens the party’s unity in the state.

Reports from Daily Trust indicate that the conflict is fueled by accusations of corruption, poor governance, and controversial decisions, including the demolition of public buildings. Behind these allegations lies a larger battle over control of the state’s resources.

An insider explained, “This is beyond politics; it’s about who holds the reins of Sokoto’s wealth. Wamakko has enjoyed dominance for years, but Lamido believes it’s time for change.”

The tension heightened when the Lamido faction suggested creating an alternative APC structure, which they claimed would free the party from what they see as the overwhelming control of Governor Ahmed Aliyu and his mentor, Wamakko.

Sani Yakubu Gudu, who represents Gudu/Tangaza Federal Constituency, voiced the grievances of Lamido’s supporters, saying, “We are trying to save the APC from complete collapse under the control of Governor Aliyu and Senator Wamakko. They refuse to correct their missteps, leaving us no choice but to act.”

The dispute has drawn quiet backing from several prominent figures, including traditional leaders, public officials, and intellectuals, many of whom are aligning with the Lamido group.

Gudu went further, criticizing Governor Aliyu’s administration for prioritizing superficial projects, such as beautification schemes in Sokoto city while neglecting urgent issues like unemployment, education, and the struggling agricultural sector. He also accused the governor of not addressing the growing insecurity in the region, particularly the rise in bandit attacks.

In response, APC Chairman in Sokoto, Alhaji Isa Sadiq Achida, rejected these claims, calling them groundless accusations made by politicians who have lost relevance. He denied any allegations of corruption and insisted that the party remained intact, without any room for factions.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto seized the opportunity to criticize the APC’s internal conflict, blaming it on ineffective governance.

The PDP challenged the ruling party to provide transparency over a controversial N1.2 billion borehole repair project, which they claim exemplifies the APC’s mismanagement. They also condemned the government’s misplaced priorities in the face of ongoing insecurity.

In another twist, over 300 residents of Yauri Flats Estate protested against the government’s plan to demolish their homes. While they sought Senator Wamakko’s intervention, Governor Aliyu declined to engage with the demonstrators.

Political analysts have warned that if the crisis continues unresolved, it could destabilize the APC in Sokoto. There is even speculation that Wamakko could consider defecting to another party, possibly the Social Democratic Party (SDP) if the situation worsens.

ROAMAN NEWS