A disagreement has emerged between the Ondo State Government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over provisions in the state’s 2026 budget, particularly the ₦23.3 billion allocation for vehicles and transport-related assets.
The PDP, through its Director of Media and Public Communications, Wándé T. Àjàyí, criticised the budget, describing the allocation as excessive and questioning the government’s spending priorities. The opposition party argued that the funds earmarked for vehicles were disproportionate when compared with allocations to critical sectors such as healthcare and education.
According to the PDP, the budget allocates ₦23.3 billion for the purchase of government vehicles, including ₦2.1 billion for 27 Toyota Fortuner SUVs intended for members of the Ondo State House of Assembly. The party also expressed concern over the ₦69 million provision for drugs and medical supplies, claiming the figure was inadequate for the state’s population.
In response, the Ondo State Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) rejected the allegations, stating that the opposition’s interpretation of the budget was misleading.
Allen Sowore, Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, explained that the ₦23.3 billion allocation covers a broad range of operational and sector-specific assets across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). He noted that the provision includes the repair and refurbishment of existing vehicles, procurement of ambulances, agricultural machinery, waste management equipment, and other utility vehicles.
The government further clarified that ₦4.5 billion within the allocation is designated for waste management infrastructure, including the purchase of waste skips and disposal trucks. Approximately ₦1.79 billion, it added, is budgeted for ambulances to support healthcare delivery, while additional funds are allocated for tow trucks and agricultural equipment.
On healthcare funding, the government stated that the health sector received ₦59.5 billion in the 2026 budget, representing 11.4 percent of the total budget size. Officials also indicated that drug procurement is handled through the State Drugs and Commodity Management Agency, which has a separate allocation.
Similarly, the administration disputed claims regarding education spending, maintaining that the sector’s total allocation stands at ₦64.5 billion.
The exchange highlights ongoing political tensions between the ruling APC and the opposition PDP over fiscal policy and budgetary priorities in the state.
