Ado-Ekiti PDP Leaders Rally Behind Ogunsakin, Slam Anifowose Over Election Fund Allegations

By Joseph Sunday

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area have rallied behind Hon. Deji Ogunsakin and warned party member, Mr. Sunday Anifowose, to desist from making what they described as reckless utterances aimed at tarnishing Ogunsakin’s image over alleged diversion of election funds.

The warning was issued at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ado-Ekiti, according to a statement signed by the PDP Secretary for Ado-Ekiti Local Government, Hon. Makanjuola Temitope, and made available to newsmen.

The leaders said their attention was drawn to a purported stakeholders’ meeting convened by Anifowose, where false allegations were made against Ogunsakin concerning campaign funds.

According to them, political leadership is earned through years of selfless service and sacrifice, not through thuggery, propaganda or media attacks.

They noted that Ogunsakin has provided sterling leadership for the party in Ado-Ekiti since 2015, maintaining a clean and transparent record of service, and described him as a well-brought-up man from a respectable family whose contributions to the party and community remain a source of pride.

While noting that they are familiar with the political history of individuals in Ado-Ekiti, the leaders said they would not be drawn into discussing family backgrounds in response to what they termed baseless allegations.

They also questioned Anifowose’s political standing in the local government, alleging that he only began identifying with Ward 4 in 2022 and therefore lacks the standing to parade himself as a major stakeholder.

On the contentious issue of election funds, the leaders gave a breakdown of funds released by Dr. Wole Oluyede.

They said Oluyede released N14.75 million on the eve of the election for polling-unit agents, canvassers, security and other logistics, which was distributed to wards based on agreed arrangements.

They added that Oluyede also released N7.5 million during the mega rally in Ado-Ekiti, which was shared based on mobilisation needs submitted by the wards. For the Ado-Ekiti Local Government rally, Oluyede released N6 million, while Ogunsakin personally contributed N3 million.

The leaders challenged claims of additional funds allegedly given to Ogunsakin, stating that they have evidence of all transfers made by Oluyede to Ogunsakin for the stated activities. They dared Oluyede to make public any evidence of extra funds released beyond what was listed.

They warned that the party would not hesitate to take legal action if the alleged defamatory attacks against Ogunsakin persist.

The leaders urged Anifowose to present verifiable evidence to support his claims instead of resorting to media attacks and innuendo, insisting that Ogunsakin has nothing to hide and that his record of service speaks for itself.

The meeting was attended by Hon. Mrs. Lanre Fajuyi, PDP Zonal Ex-Officio; Hon. Kayode Yusuf, PDP Senatorial Chairman; Alhaji Raheem Adeparusi, State Ex-Officio; Chief Mrs. Ajoke Awojugbe, ward chairmen and other notable party leaders.