The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has lashed out at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over allegations that the opposition party could not pay its staff salary for over two years. 

In a statement on Wednesday, the APC spokesperson, Steve Otaloro, also alleged that the opposition party could no longer meet any of its financial obligations. 

Mr Otaloro, in the statement obtained by Peoples Gazette in Akure, claimed that the lack of financial stability of the Ondo PDP raised questions about the party’s ability to manage public funds if allowed to govern the state.

“It is disheartening to learn that the PDP has failed to pay its staff for the period spanning 22 months, along with claims of mismanagement, which have raised serious concerns among the public. 

“This failure to meet their financial obligations not only reflects poorly on the PDP but on the party’s ability to effectively manage its affairs and fulfil its responsibilities towards its members,” said Mr Otaloro.

According to him, PDP’s failure to pay its staff has created financial hardship for the individuals and continues to damage the party’s fragile reputation and credibility in the state. 

He said that before the party would seek the trust and support of the state electorate, it must demonstrate its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of its employees.

“The party needs to uphold the highest standards of integrity and financial accountability. Only by doing so can the PDP rebuild trust and credibility among the electorate, our party, and the general public as a credible opposition party in the state. 

“This lack of financial stability and corruption allegations raise questions about the party’s ability to manage public funds if allowed to govern the state. The people of Ondo State deserve a party and people that can effectively manage its affairs and work towards the development and progress of the state,” said Mr Otaloro.

In a swift response, the opposition PDP denied the allegations that it owed staff 22 months’ salary. 

In a short statement, Kennedy Peretei, the Ondo spokesman for the PDP, said the APC cannot cry more than the bereaved. 

Mr Peretei described it as unfortunate that APC, which has allegedly practically grounded Nigeria and Ondo State, can indulge in falsehood and depend on “beer parlour” gossip of such magnitude.

“Instead of addressing serious deficits in infrastructure and the total absence of governance in the state, APC and its leadership are interested in the internal affairs of the PDP.

“For the record, the PDP is not owing 22 months of staff salary. The APC cannot weep more than the bereaved,” he said the statement.