Ekiti PDP leaders reject fund mismanagement claims against deputy candidate

By Boye Oyeyemi

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State have rejected allegations of financial mismanagement against the party’s deputy governorship candidate in the June 20 election, Deji Ogunsakin.

The stakeholders, led by the Ado-Ekiti PDP Chairman, Femi Odeyemi, described the allegations concerning campaign and election funds as unfounded and capable of creating further divisions within the party.

In a statement issued Saturday, the group said funds released for mobilisation, polling-unit agents, canvassers, security and other election-related activities were distributed to the relevant wards based on their mobilisation needs.

The stakeholders said the party’s governorship candidate, Wole Oluyede, provided ₦14.75 million for polling-unit agents and other election-day operations, while ₦7.5 million was released for the party’s mega rally in Ado-Ekiti.

They added that another ₦6 million was provided for the Ado-Ekiti Local Government rally, while Ogunsakin personally contributed an additional ₦3 million towards the event.

According to the group, transaction records were available to support the distribution of the funds, while ward chairmen could verify how money allocated for mobilisation and other activities was disbursed.

The stakeholders urged party members and the public to disregard claims that could deepen divisions within the PDP, stressing that any disagreement over campaign finances should be addressed through the appropriate party structures and based on verifiable records.

They also appealed for restraint in public comments and an end to personal attacks, describing Ogunsakin as a longstanding contributor to the growth of the PDP in Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti State and urging members to prioritise unity and the strengthening of the party.