APC Alleges Makinde Squandered N2.9bn on 50th Anniversary

Oyo State APC Alleges N2.9 Billion Mismanagement in Golden Jubilee Celebrations

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has accused Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration of mismanaging approximately N2.9 billion allocated for the state’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. The allegation, contained in a statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, suggests funds were improperly sourced and spent.

According to the APC statement, N90 million was allegedly deducted from the federal allocation of each of the state’s 33 local government councils to finance the anniversary project. The party further claimed an undisclosed additional sum was taken from the state government’s own treasury for the same purpose, bringing the total expenditure to over N3 billion.

The statement questioned the justification for such a significant outlay, citing specific events from the celebration. It asked whether the cost was warranted by what it described as “the misplaced air show, lopsided award conferment, colour-riot Ankara uniform for PDP members and one-man show novelty soccer match.” The party framed the expenditure as excessive, particularly given broader economic challenges.

The anniversary celebrations, which included a series of events marking five decades since the state’s creation, were widely reported in local media. The state government has not yet issued a public response to the specific financial allegations raised by the opposition party.

The accusation centers on the fiscal management of public funds during a period of national economic strain. The APC’s claim that local government allocations—funds constitutionally meant for grassroots development—were diverted for the anniversary adds a layer of constitutional concern to the financial critique.

This development intensifies political scrutiny of Governor Makinde’s administration. The next step typically involves either a official rebuttal and detailed accounting from the state government or demands for a formal investigation from legislative and civil society bodies. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the state’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition APC over governance and resource allocation.

The story underscores persistent questions about transparency in public spending for ceremonial events, a topic that often resonates with voters concerned about infrastructure and service delivery.