By Jelili Gbadamosi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has challenged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, to present detailed and workable plans for managing the state’s finances instead of limiting his campaign to criticism of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.
The APC made its position known following Aondoakaa’s appearance on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm on Tuesday, where he faulted the state’s overhead expenditure and called for significant cuts to create more funds for debt repayment.
Reacting in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Publicity Secretary, Benedict Yaweh, the APC argued that proposals to reduce government spending must be supported by specific figures and clear implementation strategies.
The party questioned how much Aondoakaa’s proposed cuts would save the state, which areas of government expenditure would be affected and how essential services would be maintained under his plan.
The APC said, “A serious governorship candidate must demonstrate how public resources can be managed better through practical proposals, sound financial planning and measurable results.”
The party also challenged Aondoakaa to subject his own managerial record to the same level of scrutiny he demands from the current administration.
According to the APC, Aondoakaa has been linked to private business ventures, including Miva Rice, Old Barn Hotel and filling stations.
The party questioned the current state of the businesses, asking whether they remain operational and how effectively they have been managed.
It further argued that if any of the businesses had been sold, shut down or experienced a significant decline, Aondoakaa should explain the circumstances.
The APC maintained that such explanations were necessary for voters to assess his managerial capacity before entrusting him with the financial affairs of Benue State.
The party insisted that while criticism of government expenditure was legitimate, it was not sufficient to establish competence, urging Aondoakaa to provide specific, measurable and realistic solutions to the state’s financial challenges.
