Leaders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State have dismissed allegations concerning the handling of funds released for campaign and election-related activities during the party’s recent governorship campaign in the state.
The stakeholders, in a statement signed by the Ado-Ekiti PDP Chairman, Hon. Femi Odeyemi, as spokesperson for the group, described the allegations against the party’s Deputy Governorship Candidate in the June 20 election, Deji Ogunsakin, as unfounded.
They said funds released for mobilisation and other election-day activities were distributed to the relevant wards in line with agreed arrangements.
The stakeholders explained that the PDP governorship candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, released N14.75 million for polling-unit agents, canvassers, security and other election-day activities, while another N7.5 million was released for the party’s mega rally in Ado-Ekiti.
According to them, the funds were distributed to the wards based on their respective mobilisation requirements.
They further stated that N6 million was released for the Ado-Ekiti Local Government rally, while Ogunsakin personally contributed N3 million towards the event.
The group said records of the transactions were available, adding that the respective ward chairmen could attest to the distribution of funds earmarked for the activities.
They urged party members and the public to disregard claims capable of creating unnecessary division within the party, stressing that disagreements over campaign finances should be addressed through appropriate party channels and based on verifiable records.
The stakeholders also appealed to all PDP members to exercise restraint in their public statements and avoid personal attacks, saying the party needed unity and constructive engagement to strengthen its structures across the state.
The statement maintained that Ogunsakin had contributed to the growth of the PDP in Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti State over the years, urging party members to focus on issues capable of promoting cohesion and the development of the party.
