Ondo election: Why I missed governorship debate – Akeredolu

The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the forthcoming Ondo election, Rotimi Akeredolu, has explained his absence from the governorship debate organised by Channels Television on Monday night.

Akeredolu had been absent from the event moderated by Channels TV correspondent, Seun Okinbaloye.

But Akeredolu, in a letter signed by Kunle Adebayo, communications secretary of his campaign organisation, said he could not attend the debate because it coincided with its organisation’s campaign schedule.

He said the debate came “at a time when our grassroots rallies are at their peaks”, adding that he was, at the time of the programme, “tucked in the deep riverine communities of Ilaje Local Government, most of which have no access to electricity to watch television”.

Olusola Oke of the Alliance for Democracy; Jimoh Ibrahim of Peoples Democratic Party; and Olu Agunloye of  Social Democratic Party, were the three candidates that were at the two-hour programme.

Full Statement

“Akeredolu Campaign Platform (ACP) regrets its inability to attend today’s governorship
debate organised by Channels Television.

“It is unfortunate that the debate is coming at a time when our grassroots rallies are at their peaks.

“As we speak, Akeredolu is tucked in the deep riverine communities of Ilaje Local
Government, most of which have no access to electricity to watch television.

“In view of the demands of this hectic campaign schedule, we therefore regret our inability
to honour Channels TV’s call for debate with the remaining time. “