In a recent revelation, former Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Ifedayo Abegunde, who resigned on Monday, July 6, alleged that the 2016 governorship election was manipulated in favor of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Abegunde, during a program on Crest 87.7 Fm, claimed that Akeredolu had actually lost the 2016 governorship election to the then Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Eyitayo Jegede.
He further disclosed the involvement of “moneybags” within the All Progressives Congress (APC), including himself, in rigging the election to ensure Akeredolu’s victory.
Abegunde stated, “It was through the powers from me and other APC pillars that made INEC declare Akeredolu as governor after he had lost the election. So, Akeredolu didn’t win the Ondo governorship election in 2016 but we made it possible for him to become governor. We were the pillars behind him and we will not support him again. He will lose this time around.”
Regarding his resignation, Abegunde accused Akeredolu of nepotism and favoritism within the government, stating, “Akeredolu has reduced the government to the property of his wife, son and in-laws and all government contracts goes to these same set of people from the State.”
He also denied the claims of receiving a monthly allocation of N5m to his office, emphasizing that he was unable to support the needs of those who backed the government due to insufficient funds.
Additionally, Abegunde recounted his experience with three different governors in the state and labelled Akeredolu’s government as the worst in the history of Ondo State.