You Are Free To Use Mapo, Other Public Facilities For Campaigns If… – Makinde To Opposition Parties

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said opposition political parties are free to use Mapo Hall, Ibadan, and other government-owned facilities for their campaigns, provided they meet the established requirements for their use.

Makinde said public facilities belonged to the people of Oyo State and should be managed fairly, without discrimination based on political affiliation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor restated his administration’s commitment to equal access to public facilities for all political parties.

The statement followed concerns surrounding the proposed use of Mapo Hall by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its presidential campaign.

Makinde maintained that any political party or organisation that fulfilled the stipulated conditions should not be denied access to government-owned facilities.

He said the procedures governing the use of such facilities were designed to ensure proper use, maintenance and public order, adding that access should be handled transparently and equitably.

The governor said democracy thrived when political parties had equal opportunities to engage with voters within the framework of the law.

He also urged political actors to conduct their activities peacefully and responsibly, while calling on relevant authorities to handle applications for public facilities professionally and without bias.

The statement added that the Oyo State Government remained committed to political tolerance, democratic freedoms and an environment where legitimate political interests could operate in accordance with the law.