Akinwale Bodija, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the federal lawmaker representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, has denied allegations that his principal ordered the removal of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign billboards in the constituency.
Bodija described the allegations as false and politically motivated, accusing those behind them of attempting to gain public sympathy rather than address issues affecting the electorate.
In a statement made available to journalists, the media aide said Oyekunle had neither the authority nor the institutional responsibility to order the removal of political billboards, noting that outdoor advertising was regulated by the appropriate government agencies.
He urged political actors to focus on issues that matter to residents of Ibadan North rather than creating controversies over campaign materials.
‘Rather than seeking pity or creating unnecessary controversy, those making such allegations should engage the people of Ibadan North on issues that genuinely matter to them,’ he said.
Bodija said Oyekunle, who is also the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for the constituency, remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy through effective representation, infrastructure development and empowerment initiatives.
He also questioned the basis of the allegations, arguing that billboards belonging to other opposition parties and candidates remained visible in different parts of the constituency.
‘If Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle were truly responsible for the removal of PDP billboards, as being alleged, one would reasonably ask why billboards belonging to other opposition parties and candidates are still standing in various locations,’ he said.
The media aide described the controversy as an attempt to divert attention from issues that should shape the 2027 elections, urging political parties and candidates to present their records, programmes and plans to the electorate.
According to him, the number of campaign billboards displayed across a constituency does not determine electoral success, but rather the confidence and trust candidates earn from the people.
‘Elections go beyond billboards. What ultimately matters is what the people can see, feel and identify as the impact of their representatives,’ Bodija stated.
He maintained that Oyekunle’s priorities included improving constituency representation, supporting infrastructure projects and implementing empowerment programmes aimed at enhancing the welfare of residents.
Bodija advised those making the allegations to engage directly with the electorate and present their achievements and vision for the constituency instead of resorting to what he called unsubstantiated accusations.
‘The people are watching. They are more interested in results than propaganda, impact than billboards, and effective representation than politically motivated controversies,’ he said.
He urged political actors to ensure that the 2027 elections focused on performance, ideas, service, and the future of Ibadan North rather than what he described as false accusations and the politics of pity.