The Wale Akinterinwa Campaign Organisation, on Sunday, expressed concern about the billboards of its leader, Wale Akinterinwa, being destroyed by suspected political thugs.
This is happening a few weeks before the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress, scheduled for April 25, 2024.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Akinterinwa are both running for the party’s ticket in the governorship election.
According to the spokesperson of the Wale Akinterinwa Campaign Organisation, Mr Segun Ajiboye, the group urged the governor to stop his supporters from attacking their billboards.
However, the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers, through its Director of Publicity, Mr Kayode Fasua, denied the allegation, calling it false and an attempt to tarnish the governor's name.
WACO remembered that many of Akinterinwa’s billboards were reportedly destroyed by Aiyedatiwa’s supporters during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state in February, and the governor promised to investigate.
They pointed out that nothing had been done and none of the perpetrators had been arrested.
They stated, ” We also raised the alarm back in February when the governor’s supporters caused trouble during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the family of the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. While the governor promised to punish those responsible for the violent attacks, it's not surprising that nothing has happened since.
“The governor's actions and those of his supporters are tarnishing the reputation of our party, while other political parties in the state are watching and planning to take advantage of the situation.
“Once again, we urge leaders of the APC in Ondo State and at the national level to intervene before Governor Aiyedatiwa damages the party in the state. We also call on all security agencies, including the police and the DSS, to ensure the safety of supporters of other aspirants and their property across the state.”
Fasua, in his statement, accused WACO of lying in an attempt to discredit the governor, and urged Akinterinwa’s campaign group to properly investigate the matter
He said, “They are accusing the governor’s loyal thugs of destroying their leader’s billboards, but they lack evidence in their accusation.
“For example, they have not provided any identification of where the thugs are based, or who their leader is.
“However, it is clear that many of the revered billboards they mentioned seem to be of low quality, indicating that they were poorly erected and not sturdy. Considering it is currently rainy season with strong winds, it's not surprising that they collapsed.
“Instead of involving Aiyedatiwa in their internal dishonesty, they should investigate within their own group to find out who is responsible.”
