Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed concern that Osun State remains underdeveloped despite substantial allocations from the federal government, urging the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, to ensure judicious utilisation of public funds if elected.
Speaking at a rally in Osogbo, the state capital, Akpabio argued that the current level of infrastructure decay does not reflect the financial resources accruing to the state. He specifically referenced the deplorable condition of the Ibadan-Osogbo highway, stating that even basic maintenance such as pothole repairs had been neglected.
“No state government is borrowing money for projects, enough money is coming to the state and Osun should be better than what I have seen. On the road between Ibadan and here, even the potholes are not fixed,” Akpabio said.
Addressing the candidate, whom he called “AMBO,” the Senate President demanded an immediate pivot to governance focused on tangible development. He stressed that the electorate expects the dividends of democracy — physical infrastructure and improved welfare — rather than political rhetoric on social media.
“AMBO once you are elected on Saturday and sworn in, you must immediately begin the progressive movement, you must transform Osun State, you must show the people that development is part and parcel of politics, that what they need is the dividends of democracy and not social media,” he said.
Akpabio further appealed for transparency and alignment with the federal government to maximise development impact. “May God guide you as you use Osun money for Osun people, as you transform the infrastructure, as you join us in the centre to ensure that Nigeria is transformed,” he added.
The intervention highlights the ongoing national debate over fiscal responsibility at the state level, where increased revenue allocations have not uniformly translated into improved living standards. With the governorship election imminent, stakeholders are watching closely to see if the next administration can convert statutory allocations into measurable socio-economic gains for the people of Osun State.
