Ifedayo Abegunde, the former Secretary to the Ondo State Government who resigned on Monday July 6, has narrated how they allegedly rigged 2016 governorship election for Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Abegunde who insisted that Akeredolu did not win the 2016 governorship election while speaking on a programme on Crest 87.7 Fm, said he (Akeredolu) lost the 2016 governorship poll to the then Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Eyitayo Jegede.
He revealed that some “moneybags” in the All Progressives Congress (APC) including himself, rigged Akeredolu into power in 2016 by manipulating the election result in his favour.
Abegunde said;
“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.”
On why he resigned, the former SSG said;
“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.”
Abegunde who denied claims of N5m being allocated to his office on monthly basis, said he was unable to cater for the needs of those who joined him to support the government because funds were not allocated to his office.
He added;
“WHERE ON EARTH DID THE GOVERNOR GIVE ME SUCH FUNDS OR LET HIM COME FORWARD WITH THE EVIDENCE.
“RECENTLY, I REPORTED HIM TO GOVERNOR FAYEMI OF EKITI STATE AND HE PROMISED TO INVITE BOTH OF US TO ABUJA FOR SETTLEMENT.
“I REMEMBER THAT I TOLD FAYEMI THAT I WAS GOING TO SPIT ON THE FACE OF AKEREDOLU IF HE REPEATED THE LIES THAT HE WAS GIVING ME N5M MONTHLY.
“AND I WILL THEN RETURN TO AKURE TO RESIGN AND AS WELL INFORM THE PUBLIC OF HIS LOOTING SPREE.”
The former SSG also described the government of Akeredolu as the worst in the history of Ondo State, while recounting his experience with three different governors in the state.
