Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State have disagreed with the campaign camp of the party’s governorship candidate in the June 20 election, Dr Wole Oluyede, over the handling of campaign funds.
The local government executives challenged Oluyede to disclose the total amount spent during the election, while defending his running mate, Deji Ogunsakin, against allegations that campaign funds were mismanaged.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the PDP Chairman in Ado Local Government, Femi Odeyemi, and Secretary, Makanjuola Temitope, after a meeting of the party leadership in Ado-Ekiti, the executives described allegations of fund diversion against Ogunsakin as unsubstantiated and malicious.
The statement was in response to demands by a group identified as Ado-Ekiti PDP Stakeholders for accountability over funds reportedly released for party agents, canvassers, logistics and ward mobilisation.
The local government executives also provided details of financial contributions towards the Ado-Ekiti council rally, stating that Oluyede contributed N6 million, Ogunsakin donated N3 million, Monica Fajuyi gave N500,000, while Mrs Lanre Fajuyi provided 15 bags of rice.
They further claimed that Ogunsakin personally financed several campaign activities across Ado-Ekiti to support voter mobilisation during the electioneering period.
The statement said, “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 PDP executives also said Ogunsakin backed Oluyede’s candidacy despite reservations among some party leaders, urging members to avoid further public exchanges over the matter.
Those present at the meeting included PDP Zonal Ex-officio, Mrs Lanre Fajuyi; Senatorial Chairman, Kayode Yusuf; State Ex-officio, Alhaji Raheem Adeparusi; Mrs Ajoke Awojugbe; as well as ward chairmen and other executive members.
However, responding on behalf of the stakeholders, Sunshine Anifowose urged the local government executives not to drag Oluyede into the dispute, insisting that the call for financial accountability originated from concerned party members.
Anifowose said he was prepared to present transaction records relating to funds allegedly transferred from Oluyede to Ogunsakin during the campaign.
He challenged Ogunsakin to provide documentary evidence, including transfer records, payment receipts and details of personal funds allegedly spent on the campaign.
Anifowose added that if Ogunsakin maintained that he solely financed the campaign in Ado-Ekiti, he should disclose the amount spent, how the money was utilised and provide supporting financial records.
