By Adesakin Adefemi
The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday traded sharp criticisms over the provisions of the state’s 2026 Appropriation Bill.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had earlier signed the ₦524.41 billion “Budget of Economic Consolidation” into law after its passage by the State House of Assembly. The budget allocates 42.11% (₦220.83 billion) for recurrent expenditure and 57.89% (₦303.58 billion) for capital projects.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Public Communications, Wande Ajayi, the PDP accused the government of prioritising luxury for officials over citizens’ welfare. “The PDP in Ondo State has expressed deep concern and outrage over the shocking expenditure priorities contained in the 2026 Budget, which once again exposes a government more committed to the comfort of political office holders than to the welfare of the people,” Ajayi said.
The opposition party highlighted that the budget earmarks ₦23.3 billion for government vehicles and transport-related items, including ₦2.1 billion for 27 Toyota Fortuner SUVs for 26 legislators and one clerk. “This extravagant allocation stands in cruel contrast to the paltry ₦69 million provided for drugs and medical supplies for a population of over 5.3 million Ondo citizens,” the statement added, noting that this amounts to less than ₦15 per person for medicines for an entire year.
The PDP further contrasted the vehicle spending with the ₦515 million allocated for educational materials and equipment, arguing that lawmakers’ SUVs alone cost four times more than the entire education budget line.
“By simple arithmetic, this government has budgeted less than ₦15 per person for medicines for an entire year, in a state grappling with failing primary healthcare centres, rising maternal mortality and preventable diseases,” Ajayi emphasised.
Reacting, the APC, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, dismissed the PDP’s claims as exaggerated and misleading. “The 2026 Budget of Ondo State is a carefully structured fiscal blueprint crafted to consolidate economic stability, strengthen institutional efficiency, and guarantee the safety and effective delivery of governance to the good people of Ondo State,” Otaloro said.
He defended the vehicle allocation as a “strategic administrative necessity” rather than extravagance. “Governance, particularly in a state with expanding infrastructural and administrative demands, requires functional mobility, operational efficiency, and adequate security provisions for public officials who discharge constitutional responsibilities across diverse and sometimes challenging terrains,” he explained.
Otaloro added that the procurement of official vehicles is a pragmatic investment in ensuring legislative and executive functions are carried out without logistical impediments. “It is both disingenuous and intellectually dishonest to isolate single line items within a comprehensive budget framework while ignoring the extensive and well-documented investments being made in healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and social welfare programmes,” he stated.
The budget debate comes amid heightened political tension in Ondo State, with both parties positioning themselves ahead of future elections. While the PDP maintains that the allocations reflect misplaced priorities, the APC insists the budget is designed to deliver sustainable development and efficient governance for all residents.
As the controversy unfolds, citizens and civil society groups are expected to scrutinise the budget’s implementation, particularly how funds allocated to critical sectors like healthcare and education are utilised, to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
