The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Tuesday exchanged sharp criticisms over the state’s 2026 budget, with the opposition branding it a “symbol of elitism” and misplaced priorities.
While the PDP condemned what it described as outrageous expenditure items in the approved budget, the APC rejected the claims, accusing the opposition of twisting facts for political gain.
In a statement released by its Director of Media and Public Communication, Wande Ajayi, the PDP alleged that the APC-led government had placed the comfort of political office holders above the welfare of citizens.
“This once again reveals a government more focused on the comfort of political office holders than the well-being of the people,” Ajayi said.
He pointed to figures in the approved budget, claiming that the state intended to allocate ₦23.3 billion to government vehicles and transport-related expenses.
“Verified figures from the approved budget indicate that the Ondo State government plans to spend a staggering ₦23.3 billion on vehicles and transport-related items, including ₦2.1 billion for the purchase of 27 Toyota Fortuner SUVs for 26 legislators and a clerk,” he stated.
Ajayi also faulted the allocation to the health sector, describing it as grossly inadequate.
“By simple calculation, this administration has budgeted less than ₦15 per person for medicines for an entire year in a state battling failing primary healthcare centres, increasing maternal mortality and preventable diseases.
“At the same time, luxury SUVs for lawmakers alone cost four times more than the ₦515 million allocated for educational materials and equipment across the state.
“This is not a budgeting mistake; it reflects the administration’s priorities. It shows that under the APC, governance is seen as a pathway to elite comfort rather than public service,” he added.
The PDP spokesperson described the spending plan as troubling, particularly amid worsening poverty and unemployment.
“It is disturbing that at a time of widespread poverty, joblessness and declining social services, the Ondo State government sees nothing wrong with shielding political office holders in luxury while ordinary citizens struggle with hunger, disease and decaying educational standards,” he said.
APC Rejects Allegations
In response, the APC’s Director of Media and Public Communication, Mr. Steve Otaloro, dismissed the PDP’s claims as misleading and politically driven.
“The referenced allocations represent strategic administrative needs, not extravagance or elitism,” Otaloro said.
He argued that effective governance requires proper logistics and security support for public officials.
“Governance, especially in a state with expanding infrastructural and administrative responsibilities, demands functional mobility, operational efficiency and adequate security for officials who perform constitutional duties across diverse and sometimes difficult terrains,” he stated.
Otaloro maintained that the procurement of vehicles should not be misinterpreted.
“The purchase of official vehicles is not a luxury but a practical investment to ensure legislative and executive duties are carried out efficiently, ultimately improving service delivery to citizens,” he added.
He accused the PDP of cherry-picking specific budget items to create a negative narrative.
“It is disingenuous and intellectually dishonest to single out isolated line items in a comprehensive budget while ignoring substantial and well-documented investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture and social welfare programmes,” Otaloro said.
He further argued that the opposition’s criticism of pharmaceutical allocations overlooked broader healthcare initiatives.
“Reducing healthcare investment to pharmaceutical procurement alone ignores ongoing capital projects, recruitment of medical personnel, facility upgrades, public health interventions and expansion of medical infrastructure, which together form the government’s comprehensive healthcare strategy,” he said.
Otaloro reiterated that the APC administration remains focused on tackling economic challenges through social intervention programmes, youth empowerment initiatives and employment schemes aimed at fostering inclusive growth.