Ondo poll: APC, PDP bicker over candidates’ debate performance

Barely 48 hours after the Ondo State governorship debate between candidates of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, the two parties have engaged in a war of words over their candidates’ performances.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC and Agboola Ajayi, the PDP’s candidate, are both vying for the governorship position in the November 16 election. At Sunday’s debate, the candidates outlined their plans for Ondo State if elected, sparking reactions from their respective camps.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Wale Akinlosotu, claimed that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s performance was superior, noting that the governor’s address highlighted his achievements across various sectors.

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 citizens, 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.”

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However, the PDP fired back through a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity for the PDP Campaign Organization. Mr. Ayo Fadaka.

He 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 portrayal of the debate, suggesting that his attempts to “whitewash” the governor’s image were apparent.