PDP leaders clash over Ekiti poll campaign funds

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State have clashed with the campaign team of its governorship candidate in the June 20 election, Dr Wole Oluyede, over the management of campaign funds.

The party leaders challenged Oluyede to publicly declare his total expenditure during the poll, while defending his running mate, Deji Ogunsakin, against allegations of financial impropriety.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the PDP Chairman in Ado Local Government Area, Femi Odeyemi, and the Secretary, Makanjuola Temitope, following a leadership meeting in Ado-Ekiti, the executive described the claims of fund diversion against Ogunsakin as vague and malicious.

The statement countered allegations raised by a group, Ado-Ekiti PDP Stakeholders, which demanded an account of monies released for party agents, canvassers, logistics, and ward mobilisation.

Clarifying the financial contributions for the Ado-Ekiti council rally, the PDP executive stated that Oluyede contributed N6m, Ogunsakin provided N3m, Monica Fajuyi donated N500,000, while Mrs Lanre Fajuyi contributed 15 bags of rice.

The leaders noted that Ogunsakin personally funded campaign operations across the Ado-Ekiti metropolis to mobilise voters during the electioneering period.

“If Dr Oluyede disputes these figures or has a different account of the funds released, we challenge him to state his own figures publicly and explain precisely what he believes was not accounted for,” the statement read.

The PDP leaders added that Ogunsakin supported Oluyede’s candidature in good faith despite initial reservations expressed by several party stalwarts, warning against further public mudslinging.

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Notable leaders at the meeting included a PDP Zonal Ex-officio, Mrs Lanre Fajuyi; PDP Senatorial Chairman, Kayode Yusuf; State Ex-officio, Alhaji Raheem Adeparusi; Mrs Ajoke Awojugbe; alongside ward chairmen and executive members.

Responding on behalf of the stakeholders, Sunshine Anifowose advised the local government leadership to leave Oluyede out of the dispute, maintaining that the demand for accountability came directly from concerned party members and not the governorship candidate.

Anifowose stated, “I am ready to present the transactions showing the money that came from Dr Oluyede to Ogunsakin throughout the campaign.

“If Ogunsakin claims that he spent his personal money on the election, let him come out with the evidence. Let him produce the transaction records, transfer receipts, payment receipts, and evidence of any cash he personally collected or spent in connection with the campaign.

“If he claims he single-handedly financed the campaign in Ado-Ekiti, then let him tell us exactly how much he spent, where he spent it, and provide the transactions.”