Ondo Governorship Candidates Clash Over Security Votes At Pre-Election Debate

At a debate held on Saturday ahead of the Ondo State governorship election, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), sparred over the allocation and impact of the governor’s monthly security votes.

The debate, hosted by Channels Television in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and the UK International Development, provided a platform for the candidates to present their plans for Ondo State ahead of the November 16, 2024 election.

During the event, Ajayi accused Governor Aiyedatiwa of receiving a monthly security vote of N1.2 billion, alleging that the substantial funds have not translated into tangible improvements in the state’s security situation.

Ajayi further challenged the governor to disclose the exact amount allocated to security each month, arguing that transparency was crucial for public accountability.

“I challenge the governor to make public how much he’s collecting if he says I am lying about the N1.2 billion figure,” Ajayi stated.

In response, Governor Aiyedatiwa dismissed Ajayi’s claims, questioning his credibility on matters of state governance. “My brother can’t come here and be lying. Is he in government?” Aiyedatiwa retorted.

The governor, however, declined to disclose the monthly security vote, citing security concerns.