Crisis in Ondo APC amid allegations of secret polls funds committee

Ondo State Government has raised the 2026 budget from N524.411 billion to N769.384 billion, with the additional resources targeted at roads, water, healthcare, and other infrastructure across the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Olaolu Akindolire, disclosed this after the State Executive Council meeting, saying the increase was driven by the administration’s intensified infrastructure drive.

He said the revised budget would provide the funding required to sustain ongoing projects and respond to development needs.

The revised budget has been sent to the Ondo State House of Assembly for ratification.

MEANWHILE, a fresh crisis is brewing in the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as National Assembly candidates in the state have raised the alarm over what they described as the setting up of a purported clandestine election funds management committee.

According to the candidates, the election fund committee was established by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to control election finances expected from the party’s national headquarters for the 2027 general elections.

However, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Engagement, Steve Olatoro, has dismissed the existence of such a committee, saying the rumour is the handiwork of those who want to create divisions within the APC in Ondo State.

According to Akindolire, the first and second quarter budget implementation appraisal reports showed varying performance among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), with some recording increased demands and nearing their approved provisions, while others experienced slower utilisation due to implementation challenges.

He said the review was aimed at realigning provisions, addressing funding gaps, and improving implementation in the remaining months of the year.

The Council also approved the appointment of Prof. Thompson Akinyele Akinifesi as the pioneer Ekingbade of Bolorunduro in the Ondo East Local Council.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, said the appointment would usher in a new era in the community, which is the headquarters of Bolorunduro Local Council.

The Council equally approved the appointment of warrant chiefs to facilitate the processes for the selection of new traditional rulers in Ikun Akoko, Akoko South-West, Ute, Ose, Ero and Ifedore local councils.

Takuro said the state government remains committed to ensuring the smooth installation of traditional rulers in communities ready to select new obas without undue interference.