Fresh concerns have emerged over reports that scarce state resources and local government funds in Oyo State are being deployed to fund political activities linked to a presidential ambition and the activities of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
According to information circulating among political observers, plans are allegedly underway to mobilise selected local government chairmen, councillors, supervisory councillors, special assistants, PMS chieftains and other political aides for a purported zonal rally of the APM scheduled to hold at The Dome in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday, 22nd October, 2026.
Sources alleging the development claim that Oyo State local government funds are being earmarked for transportation, accommodation and logistics for the jamboree, at a time when many local governments are reportedly struggling with basic obligations and developmental needs at the grassroots.
Critics of the move describe it as insensitive and financially reckless, particularly against the backdrop of the state’s rising debt profile. They argue that borrowing to run government and then deploying state and local government resources to fund what they describe as a dead-on-arrival presidential ambition and partisan rallies outside the state amounts to a misplacement of priorities.
Stakeholders have also questioned the propriety of using funds meant for local government administration to fund a zonal party rally in another state, stressing that such action, if true, would amount to a diversion of public funds and an abuse of the principle of local government autonomy.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Oyo State Government or the leadership of the local government councils in the state regarding the allegation.
Observers are, however, calling on relevant oversight institutions, including the Oyo State House of Assembly, anti-graft agencies and civil society organisations, to investigate the allegation and ensure that public funds, particularly local government allocations, are not diverted for partisan political purposes.
They insist that Oyo State resources should be channelled to address pressing issues of infrastructure, education, health and workers’ welfare, rather than being expended on political jamborees.
David Oluokun
BSA Voice of Reason Media & RHAIN Coordinator
