The media office of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) frontrunner for the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency seat, Barrister Joy Okpainmo, has strongly refuted allegations of budget padding circulating in a video by Andy Obeya Adaudu, describing the claims as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Joy Okpainmo Media Office (JOMO) said the allegation was a familiar tactic deployed by opponents unsettled by Okpainmo’s growing popularity across Apa/Agatu.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Barr. Joy Okpainmo is not a member of the House of Representatives and does not have the authority to influence or pad the national budget in favour of any constituency,” the statement said. “The allegation is entirely baseless.”
The media office acknowledged Okpainmo’s capacity and experience, noting that while she has previously served as a legislative aide, such a role does not confer the power to alter budgetary provisions.
JOMO further clarified that all funds currently being used by the PDP aspirant to pursue her political ambition are sourced from personal savings, legal practice, family support, and her husband, whom the statement described as “hardworking, dutiful, and fully supportive” of her aspiration.
According to the statement, Okpainmo’s rising acceptance among constituents has triggered what it called a “campaign of calumny” by opposition camps already rejected by the electorate.
“Barr. Joy may not have money, but she has the people—and that is what truly matters,” the statement added, expressing confidence in her chances ahead of the 2027 general elections based on “character, intelligence, and capacity to represent effectively.”
The media office urged residents of Apa/Agatu and the general public to disregard what it termed “mischief and blackmail,” attributing the attacks to individuals opposed to women’s political advancement and to leaders desperate to retain power without performance.
“Barr. Joy Okpainmo has come to stay,” the statement concluded. “No amount of lies or intimidation can overturn what God and the people have already decided.”
