- The party claimed that N23.3 billion was set aside for vehicles and transport-related expenses
- Otaloro said the 2026 budget was designed to stabilise the state’s economy
- The opposition party maintained that the health sector allocation translates to minimal spending per resident
The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the 2026 budget recently signed into law by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, alleging that the spending plan favours political officeholders at the expense of ordinary residents.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Governor Aiyedatiwa had approved the N524.41 billion appropriation bill, described as the “Budget of Economic Consolidation.” Of the total sum, N220.83 billion, representing 42.11 per cent, is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while N303.58 billion, or 57.89 per cent, is allocated to capital projects.
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Reacting in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Public Communications, Wande Ajayi, the PDP argued that certain provisions in the budget point to skewed priorities.
The party claimed that N23.3 billion was set aside for vehicles and transport-related expenses, including N2.1 billion for the purchase of 27 Toyota Fortuner SUVs intended for 26 lawmakers and a clerk.
According to the PDP, the allocation contrasts sharply with the N69 million budgeted for drugs and medical supplies for the state’s estimated population of over 5.3 million people.
The opposition party maintained that the health sector allocation translates to minimal spending per resident, despite ongoing challenges in primary healthcare delivery, maternal health concerns, and preventable illnesses. It also noted that the cost of the proposed vehicles for legislators exceeds the N515 million allocated for educational materials and equipment across the state.
However, the ruling party dismissed the criticism. In a counter-statement, the Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, described the PDP’s position as misleading and alarmist.
Otaloro said the 2026 budget was designed to stabilise the state’s economy, improve institutional capacity, and enhance governance.
He argued that provisions for official vehicles and logistics were essential to ensure that public officials effectively carry out their constitutional duties, particularly in a state with demanding administrative and infrastructural needs.
He further stated that focusing on isolated budget items without considering broader investments in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and social welfare presents an incomplete picture of the government’s fiscal plan.
The debate underscores growing political tensions in the state as stakeholders scrutinise the implementation priorities of the new budget.
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