The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have expressed divergent views over funds allocated for the purchase of vehicles for public officials in the 2026 budget signed into law by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
While the PDP expressed concern and outrage over what it described as shocking expenditure priorities in the budget, arguing that it reflects a government more committed to the comfort of political office holders than the welfare of the people the APC defended the budget, saying it is structured to reposition the state’s economy.
The PDP Publicity Secretary, Wande Ajayi, said verified figures from the approved budget show that the state government plans to spend a staggering ₦23.3 billion on government vehicles and transport-related items, including ₦2.1 billion earmarked for the purchase of 27 Toyota Fortuner SUVs for 26 legislators and one clerk.
The PDP said this allocation contrasts sharply with the ₦69 million provided for drugs and medical supplies for a population of over 5.3 million Ondo residents.
The party stated:
“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. At the same time, lawmakers’ luxury SUVs alone cost four times more than the ₦515 million allocated for educational materials and equipment across the state.
“This is not a budgeting error; it is a statement of values. It confirms that under the current APC administration, governance is viewed as an avenue for elite comfort rather than public service.
“A government that prioritises bulletproof luxury vehicles over medicines for children and learning tools for students has lost all moral authority to speak about development.
“The PDP finds it disturbing that at a time of widespread poverty, unemployment, and declining social services, the Ondo State Government sees nothing wrong in insulating political office holders in luxury while ordinary citizens are left exposed to hunger, disease, and educational decay.
“We reject any attempt to trivialise or explain away these figures. They are clearly stated in the approved budget and speak loudly enough on their own. Budgets are policy documents, and this budget tells a painful story of a government disconnected from the daily realities of the people it claims to serve.
“The PDP calls on the Ondo State Government to immediately review these anti-people allocations, redirect funds to critical sectors such as healthcare and education, and begin to govern with empathy, prudence, and a sense of responsibility.
“Ondo people deserve hospitals with drugs, schools with learning materials, and a government that puts citizens first, not one that measures progress by the number of luxury SUVs in lawmakers’ convoys. The PDP remains committed to standing with the people and holding this government accountable for every naira spent in their name.”
Responding, the APC Director of Publicity, Mr. Steve Otaloro, said that while opposition parties have the democratic right to critique government policies, the party frowned at what it described as contextual distortions and politically motivated narratives designed to mislead the public.
Otaloro said:
“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 people of Ondo State. Contrary to the sensational claims made by the PDP, the allocations referenced reflect strategic administrative necessities rather than extravagance or elitism.
“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.
“The procurement of official vehicles is not a luxury indulgence but a pragmatic investment in ensuring that legislative and executive functions are carried out without logistical impediments, thereby enhancing service delivery to constituents across the state.
“It is 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.
“The APC-led administration has consistently demonstrated commitment to revitalising primary healthcare centres, expanding medical outreach programmes, upgrading educational facilities, and implementing sustainable development projects that directly impact citizens’ welfare.
“The opposition’s attempt to reduce healthcare investment to a narrow interpretation of pharmaceutical procurement ignores ongoing capital healthcare projects, personnel recruitment, facility upgrades, public health interventions, and medical infrastructure expansion that collectively constitute the government’s holistic healthcare delivery strategy.
“The Ondo State Government under the APC has equally sustained significant investments in education through school renovation projects, teacher capacity development programmes, digital learning initiatives, and the provision of educational support materials across various levels.
“Governance demands balanced fiscal planning that addresses security, administrative functionality, social services, and economic growth. Attempts to portray legitimate operational expenditures as moral failings amount to political theatrics rather than constructive policy engagement.
“The APC administration remains sensitive to the economic realities faced by citizens and continues to implement targeted social intervention programmes, agricultural empowerment schemes, youth development initiatives, and employment creation strategies aimed at inclusive growth.”
