Ondo PDP, APC In War Of Words Over Akeredolu’s Whereabouts

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have engaged in a war of words over the whereabouts of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State since his return from a medical trip abroad.

Since his return to the country, the Ondo governor is said to have been attending to state matters at his private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Following the development, the PDP youth wing in the state has vowed to stage a protest today (Monday) in the state capital, Akure, to demand the whereabouts of the governor.

But in a swift reaction, the Ondo APC said it had uncovered plans by the PDP to instigate a crisis in Akure, the state capital, today with a protest.

The party claimed that the essence of the protest is to create a semblance of political instability in the peaceful state and portray the ruling party in a bad light ahead of next year’s governorship election.

In a statement on Sunday by its Publicity Secretary, Alex Kalejaiye, the ruling party said the state had been peaceful and organised and enjoyed enviable political stability, and industrial harmony.

The statement reads: “It has come to our knowledge that some PDP chieftains, who have started making huge contributions, in collaboration with some players within our fold, have finalised plans to destabilise the Sunshine State.

“It is unbelievable that the main opposition party, PDP, which is engulfed by leadership in Abuja, will prefer to go into an unholy alliance with some elements in APC to foment an avoidable crisis in Ondo State.”

In a swift reaction, the PDP in the state described the APC as a party that is populated by shameless people and asked the party leaders should cover their faces with shame.

In a statement on Sunday, the PDP Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ikandu Peretei, said, “The governor has been absent from his duty post since April this year, “yet they are comfortable with the total collapse of governance in the state.

“The governor has not been seen in the state since April this year. The PDP is known for its peaceful and developmental strides in the state. We cannot be accused of planning to create a crisis in the state.

“It is clear that APC is afraid of their shadows having failed to meet the expectations of the people.

“If they know where Akeredolu is, they should ask him to come out or resign honourable.”