Osun PDP Slams APC over Tractor Procurement Controversy

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has fired back at the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) for questioning the state government’s tractor procurement process. According to the PDP, the APC’s comments show a lack of understanding of basic government principles.

The controversy began when the state government announced the purchase of tractors for the revitalization of agriculture in Osun State. The APC, however, raised questions about the procurement process, citing a discrepancy between the number of tractors purchased and the amount allocated for agriculture in the 2024 budget.

In response, the PDP issued a statement signed by James Bamgbose, the Deputy Director, Media and Publicity, accusing the APC of lacking understanding on basic rudiments of government. The party also described the APC’s reaction as a vindication of the rejection of the party by Osun electorates.

The PDP noted that during the APC’s 12-year administration, no additional tractors were added to the state inventory, despite selling off tractors purchased by the previous PDP administration. The party also highlighted the need for constructive criticism from opposition parties to hold the ruling party accountable for good governance.

The APC, led by its state Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, had urged residents of the state to be cautious over the tractors and questioned the N10 billion injected into procuring tractors and farming inputs, citing the total allocation for the agriculture sector in 2024 as N3.7 billion.

In response, the PDP accused the APC of failure to realize that its administration in the state would be used as an example of bad governance and its consequences for the people. The party also called for the state government to clarify the raging speculation surrounding the tractor procurement process.

The PDP’s statement comes amidst growing concerns over the alleged mismanagement of state resources by the APC administration, which has led to the rejection of the party by Osun electorates. The party’s comments are seen as a veiled attack on the APC’s leadership and its perceived lack of commitment to the welfare of the people.