The People’s Democratic Party’s request to use the MKO Abiola International Stadium for the rally of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has been rejected by the Ogun State Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The PDP had made the request in a letter to the state Youth and Sports Commissioner on January 3, 2023, ahead of the rally scheduled for January 19.

In the letter signed by Secretary of State Sunday Solarin, the PDP recalled how a previous request for the use of the stadium was not compelled by the state government.

The letter read in part: “It is pertinent to mention that the use of this state asset was requested in April 2022 by a letter dated April 5, 2022 requesting the use of the facility for the conduct of our party primary.

Surprisingly, our humble request has been put on hold to date, resulting in a tactical denial. While we would like to put this unwarranted denial behind us, we strongly wish to emphasize that the use of State assets must be for the benefit of the general citizenry, regardless of inclination.

“Therefore, we once again formally write to seek the use of this facility for the purpose and on the date indicated above.”

In response to the latest request from the match, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in a letter dated January 10, 2023, said that the stadium could not be made available for use.

According to the Director of Administration and Supplies to the Permanent Secretary, IA Kuforiji, the stadium was undergoing a major renovation.

The letter stated: “In addition to your letter of January 3, 2023, regarding the above issue, I have the directive to inform you that the MKO Abiola International Stadium is undergoing a major renovation of spectator seating and other important areas within the stadium. facilities.

“As we all know, high profile people in society are expected to attend and the facility is not yet in a good condition to host events until it is complete and ready for use.

“In this sense, the ministry could not agree to your request for the reason stated above.”

The letter comes amid a report that the same stadium hosted a soccer match in the Iseya Cup competition on Sunday.