The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has criticised the state government’s 2026 budget, describing the allocation of over ₦25 billion for vehicles against ₦69 million for drugs and medical supplies as a clear case of misplaced priorities.

The oppositeion party said a government that prioritises bulletproof luxury vehicles over medicines for children and basic learning tools for students lacks the moral authority to speak about development.

According to the PDP, ₦23.3 billion was budgeted for government vehicles and transport-related items, including ₦2.1 billion earmarked for the purchase of 27 Toyota Fortuner SUVs for 26 lawmakers and one clerk.

In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Public Communications, Wande Ajayi, the party argued that the allocation portrays the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as more concerned with elite comfort than public service.

“By simple arithmetic, this government has budgeted less than ₦15 per person for medicines for an entire year in a state grappling with failing primary healthcare centres, rising maternal mortality, and preventable diseases,” Ajayi said.

“At the same time, lawmakers’ luxury SUVs alone cost four times more than the ₦515 million allocated for educational materials and equipment across the state. This is not a budgeting error; it is a statement of values.”

The PDP urged the state government to review the budget and redirect funds to critical sectors such as healthcare and education.

Reacting, the APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, dismissed the PDP’s criticism, describing it as misleading and selective.

Otaloro said the vehicles allocated to lawmakers should not be regarded as luxury items but as necessities required for them to effectively perform their legislative duties.

“It is disingenuous and intellectually dishonest to isolate single line items within a comprehensive budget while ignoring the extensive investments being made in healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and social welfare,” he said.

He added that the APC-led administration has continued to revitalise primary healthcare centres, expand medical outreach programmes, upgrade educational facilities, and implement sustainable development projects across the state.

“Healthcare delivery extends far beyond drug procurement and must be assessed within the broader framework of infrastructure development, personnel recruitment, facility upgrades, and service accessibility,” Otaloro said. (The Guardian)

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