APC primary: Ondo gov, ex-commissioner trade words over campaign billboards

Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and one of the contenders for the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Wale Akinterinwa, have engaged in a war of words over the destruction of billboards belonging to the latter, ahead of the party’s primary election slated for April, 25, 2024.

Recall that the governor is also seeking the party’s ticket to run for the November 16 off-season election in the state.

Akinteriwa, a former Commissioner of Finance in the state had during the weekend accused the governor of using thugs to destroy his billboards located at strategic places in the state.

In a statement by Mr Segun Ajiboye, the spokesperson for the Wale Akinterinwa Campaign Organisation, the APC governorship aspirant asked both the police and the State Security Services (SSS) to ensure the safety of his supporters and their property.

But in a swift reaction, the governor accused Akinterinwa of scheming to seize power by any means and by playing deceit on the people of the state. 

The governor in a statement by the Director Media of his campaign organisation, Kayode Fasua, said the ex-commissioner was bent on whittling down his “Soaring popularity” and victory in the forthcoming APC primary.

“What is clear to all, however, is that most of the deified billboards under reference appear inferior, suggesting that they were poorly erected and of weak gait.

“Rather than drag the good name of Aiyedatiwa into apparent internal dishonesty in their camp, they are best advised to set up a probe panel within their tent, to find out who cut the corners,” the governor said.