In a drama fit for Nollywood, Ondo State has once again become the epicenter of fiscal warfare. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) launched explosive accusations against the ruling APC—claiming Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration is hoarding federal allocations meant for local government councils, sabotaging grassroots progress.
Enter APC’s Director of Media, Steve Otaloro, brandishing rebuttals as “blatant lies,” insisting their leadership respects democratic norms.
This cash clashing isn’t just a budgetary skirmish—it’s a political cannonball aimed squarely at credibility and power.
With constituents caught in the crossfire, both parties are playing for keeps—and laughs. Let’s unpack this soap opera with facts, flair, and a mix of truth.
SDP’s Bombshell: Stealing From The Grassroots
In a TV-worthy speech in Akure, SDP Chairman Gbenga Akinbuli accused APC of diverting local government funds, calling it a “blatant violation of fiscal federalism.”
He claimed health clinics, schools, and roads are crumbling because grassroots councils are raided for state coffers. He even appealed to the AGF, demanding future allocations go directly to local governments—no middlemen.
SDP’s message was clear: Locals are broke, and Ondo’s state government is cashing in.
APC Fires Back: “Fake News” with A Smile
APC’s Steve Otaloro rebuked the allegations as “media-fueled sensationalism” meant to distract from SDP’s internal drama, corruption scandals, and failure to win elections . He emphasized:
APC supports working local councils.
Development is ongoing under “Our Ease” policy.
No fund diversion; certifications of returns show transparency.
Fine print spin or genuine rebuttal? You decide.
Political Parody In Progress
This isn’t just politics—it’s the Nigerian political equivalent of a stand-up flash mob. SDP leaning on constitutionality, APC trotting out victory certificates—meanwhile, everyday citizens wonder why their potholes remain and primary schools crumble.
The Bigger Stakes: Governance vs Political Grandstanding
This clash isn’t just about LG money—it’s a referendum on local government autonomy in Nigeria. If state governments siphon funds, councils lose power—and citizens lose services.
SDP brands the act unconstitutional and undemocratic.
APC insists it’s ensuring stability until proper elections take place.
Ground reality? Local governments remain understaffed, underfunded, and citizens pay the price.
Behind The Scenes & The Real Drama
SDP’s focus on this fight appears strategic: highlight governance failure, weaken APC before next elections.
Also Read: Adams Oshiomhole: How Tinubu Is Paying For Buhari’s Economic Mistakes
Meanwhile, APC is doubling down on narrative control—showcasing certification, calming nerves with strong language.
But what’s really happening? The stakes are far higher than red council budgets:
Who controls local votes?
Who builds the next vote bank?
Who sets the stage for 2027?
This battle isn’t over. It’s just heating up.
Ondo’s Funds: Money Or Mud?
Here’s the bottom line: This is a political proxy war over accountability—while citizens lose classrooms and clinics.
The SDP’s allegations ring alarming—if true, they violate democratic norms. The APC counter is slick—but until we see financial transparency, “certifications” are vapour.
Which side are you on? Either way, this LG funds clash is a wake-up call: democracy must protect the grassroots—or be hollow rhetoric.
