Ondo State, Nigeria – The governorship debate held live on Channels Television in Akure, the state capital witnessed a heated exchange between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with both candidates delivering sharp criticisms of each other’s records in Office on Sunday.
Governor Aiyedatiwa opened the debate by recalling Ajayi’s tenure as Chairman of the House Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), stating, “When he was Chairman of House Committee on NDDC, the first road that could have connected the riverine area to the upland was under his watch; the contractor abandoned the project.” This remark set the tone for a contentious debate, with Aiyedatiwa defending his administration’s record amidst accusations of neglect and inefficiency.
Ajayi countered Aiyedatiwa’s claims, asserting, “Both of us have served in various capacities. He was in NDDC for close to three years, nothing was done, and now he has been governor for over 10 months and nothing has been done.” He criticized the current administration for failing to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment, stating, “The major crisis we have in Ondo state is the unemployment of the teeming youths we have.”
The debate took a particularly contentious turn when Ajayi challenged Aiyedatiwa to disclose the amount he receives in security votes, alleging that the governor takes ₦1.2 billion monthly while the state continues to grapple with insecurity. “This money belongs to the state,” Ajayi insisted, pushing for transparency in government spending, adding, however, that, “I am surprised when people talk about foreign investors; who wants to come to Ondo State to be killed?”
But governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized his administration’s efforts to maintain peace and security in the state, claiming that citizens feel more secure since he took office.
The discussion also touched on industrialization and economic development, with Ajayi asserting that Ondo State has “little or no industries” and that the government has failed to harness its resources for growth. Aiyedatiwa, however, argued that his administration is working to enhance road networks to facilitate the transport of agricultural products, countering claims of stagnation.
As the debate unfolded, both candidates maintained their positions, leading to a charged atmosphere that reflected the high stakes of the upcoming election. With critical issues such as security, unemployment, and economic development at the forefront, Starnews NG reports that the Ondo State governorship race is poised to be a defining moment for the region.
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