The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State has defended the ongoing statewide thank-you tour by Goverror Lucky Aiyedatiwa as it slams the opposition Peoples Democratic Party over its criticism.
Also, it declared that the governor’s administration is focused on people-oriented governance but not propaganda.
While reacting to a statement by the PDP on the tour, the ruling APC said it is important to place facts, context, and sincerity above political grandstanding and deliberate misrepresentation.
In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro, the APC said the tour was neither a charity exercise nor a substitute for governance.
According to the statement, “It is a long-standing democratic tradition through which elected leaders engage directly with citizens, listen to their concerns, assess ongoing projects, and express appreciation for public support. Governor
“Aiyedatiwa’s decision to personally visit communities across the state reflects humility, accessibility, and a commitment to inclusive leadership—values conspicuously absent during the PDP’s years in power.
“Contrary to the PDP’s claims, this administration has not reduced governance to handouts or optics. The modest support extended to vulnerable citizens during the tour must be understood within the broader framework of social intervention and compassionate governance, particularly in a period of national economic adjustment. A government that acknowledges hardship and provides relief alongside long-term development planning is acting responsibly, not insultingly.
On project delivery and fiscal accountability, the APC-led government has nothing to hide. Since assuming office as substantive Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has prioritised continuity, fiscal prudence, and the orderly execution of inherited and newly initiated projects. Across education, healthcare, road infrastructure, agriculture, and urban renewal, projects are at various stages of execution, many of which are verifiable on the ground. The opposition’s blanket claim that projects are below twenty percent completion is not only inaccurate but intellectually dishonest.
“It is also disingenuous for the PDP to suddenly assume the posture of defenders of civil servants, pensioners, and public infrastructure. Ondo people are well aware of the legacy of abandoned projects, unpaid entitlements, and policy inconsistency that characterised PDP administrations in the state.
“The current challenges facing Ondo State, like those of many subnational governments, are rooted largely in national and global economic realities, which this administration continues to navigate with restraint and responsibility.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s government remains firmly committed to strengthening public schools, improving healthcare delivery, rehabilitating critical road networks, stimulating job creation, and revitalising the state’s economy. Progress may not always align with the impatience of opposition rhetoric, but governance is a serious undertaking that requires planning, sequencing, and sustainability—not noise.
“The APC therefore urges the PDP to rise above inflammatory language and contribute constructively to democratic discourse. Ondo people are discerning; they can distinguish between genuine governance efforts and recycled opposition talking points.
“The Aiyedatiwa administration will remain focused on delivering measurable results, deepening engagement with the people, and consolidating peace, stability, and development across Ondo State.”
PDP criticises Aiyedatiwa’s statewide thank-you tour as charade
