By Sade Adewale
The Ondo States chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has responded to a recent press statement by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on the 2026 Ondo State budget, describing the opposition’s claims as misleading and politically motivated.
Speaking with journalists in Akure, the APC Director of Media and Publicity in the state, Mr Steve Otaloro said opposition parties have the democratic right to criticise government policies, but stressed the need to correct what he described as deliberate misrepresentations and contextual distortions aimed at misleading the public.
Otaloro averred that the 2026 Ondo State budget is a carefully structured fiscal blueprint, designed to consolidate economic stability, strengthen institutional efficiency and ensure the safety and effective delivery of governance to the people of the state.
He said contrary to the sensational claims by the PDP, the allocations criticised by the opposition reflect strategic administrative necessities rather than extravagance or elitism.
He explained that governance, especially in a state with growing infrastructural and administrative demands, requires functional mobility, operational efficiency and adequate security provisions for public officials discharging constitutional responsibilities across diverse and sometimes challenging terrains.
Otaloro said, “The procurement of official vehicles is not a luxury indulgence but a pragmatic investment to ensure that legislative and executive functions are carried out without logistical impediments, thereby enhancing service delivery to constituents across the state.”
He added that it was “disingenuous and intellectually dishonest” to isolate single line items in a comprehensive budget while ignoring extensive investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture and social welfare programmes.
Otaloro noted that 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.
He further criticised the opposition’s attempt to narrow healthcare investment to pharmaceutical procurement, saying it ignored ongoing capital projects, personnel recruitment, facility upgrades, public health interventions and medical infrastructure expansion that collectively define the government’s holistic healthcare strategy.
The APC spokesman averred that effective healthcare delivery goes far beyond drug purchases and must be assessed within the broader context of infrastructure, human capital development and accessibility.
He also highlighted sustained investments in education by the Ondo State government, including school renovation projects, teacher capacity development programmes, digital learning initiatives and the provision of educational support materials at various levels.
He added these initiatives reflect a deliberate and long-term commitment to human capital development rather than short-term populist spending.
Otaloro stressed that governance requires balanced fiscal planning that addresses security, administrative functionality, social services and economic growth simultaneously.
He described attempts to portray legitimate operational expenditures as moral failings as political theatrics rather than constructive engagement.
He said the APC administration remains sensitive to the economic realities facing citizens and continues to implement targeted social intervention programmes, agricultural empowerment schemes, youth development initiatives and employment creation strategies to stimulate inclusive growth.
He enthused that Ondo State has recorded significant progress in infrastructure expansion, rural development, investment attraction and public sector reforms under the APC leadership, attributing these achievements to deliberate, strategic and accountable governance.
Welcoming constructive criticism in the public interest, Otaloro said the party rejects fear-mongering and exaggerated narratives aimed at undermining public confidence in government institutions.
He maintained that the 2026 budget remains a progressive financial roadmap designed to sustain development momentum and improve the quality of life of all residents.
He assured the people of Ondo State of the administration’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, prudent resource management and people-oriented governance, urging citizens to support policies and programmes that guarantee long-term prosperity and sustainable development across the state.