Oyo PDP Slams APC Over Corruption Allegations, Defends Airport Project Cost Adjustment

The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fired back at the All Progressives Congress (APC) over allegations of official corruption concerning the recent increase in the cost of upgrading the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its Acting Publicity Secretary, Micheal Ogunsina, the PDP described the APC’s claims as “baseless and groundless,” accusing the opposition party of deliberately misrepresenting facts to mislead the public.

The rebuttal comes in response to a press release by Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Sadare, in which he criticized the state government for adjusting the initial budget of the airport project. However, the PDP insists that the cost review was necessitated by prevailing economic realities, particularly inflation and the economic downturn allegedly caused by the APC-led Federal Government.

“The statement released by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, was clear and unambiguous. Instead of acknowledging the Governor’s efforts, the APC chose to mislead the public,” the PDP said.

The ruling party emphasized that the airport upgrade is a crucial infrastructure project that will significantly boost the state’s economy. It also highlighted other major projects recently approved by the State Executive Council, including:

– The repair, rehabilitation, and remodeling of schools across the state, with provisions for perimeter fencing, solar boreholes, solar lights, and furniture.
– A ₦2 billion budget allocation for the ongoing 32.2km Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project.
– The second phase of the Safer City project aimed at enhancing security.
– Continued asphaltic improvement of roads within Ibadan metropolis.

The PDP accused the APC of attempting to undermine Governor Seyi Makinde’s developmental strides, arguing that the people of Oyo State had repeatedly rejected the opposition party at the polls in 2019 and 2023 and would do so again in 2027.

“It is sheer wickedness for anyone to see these monumental projects and choose to talk bad about Governor Seyi Makinde,” the statement read.

The ruling party further asserted that the APC’s criticisms were driven by desperation and an attempt to regain political relevance in the state.

“Seyi Makinde is working, and PDP is growing,” the statement concluded.