Politics
Makinde’s N300 Billion Loan a Presidential Campaign Fund — APC Governorship Aspirant Dr. Abiola Wasiu Raise Alarm
By Joel Ajayi
A leading aspirant for the Oyo State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abiola Wasiu, has strongly criticized the Oyo State House of Assembly’s swift approval of a N300 billion loan, calling it a “campaign paycheck” for Governor Seyi Makinde.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja after a condolence visit to the APC National Chairman, who recently lost his mother, Dr. Abiola expressed deep concern over the manner in which the loan was passed. He described the process as unconstitutional, hasty, and disrespectful to the people of Oyo State.
> “Why would a state assembly recall itself from recess just to approve a loan that clearly does not serve the best interest of the people?” he questioned.
Dr. Abiola emphasized that the Assembly members are elected to represent and protect the interests of their constituents, not to rubber-stamp executive decisions without due scrutiny.
He questioned the need for such a massive loan at a time when states are receiving significantly higher allocations from the federal government.
> “Oyo State’s monthly allocations from the federation account have tripled. What then is the justification for borrowing N300 billion?” he asked.
Dr. Abiola urged the people of Oyo State to reject what he termed a “dastardly act” by the Governor. He further alleged that the funds from the loan are intended to fuel Governor Makinde’s rumored 2027 presidential ambition under the PDP platform.
In addition, Dr. Abiola condemned what he described as an “inhumane” action by the Makinde-led administration in the ongoing restructuring of Gbagi Market. According to him, legitimate stall owners are being displaced and replaced by the highest bidders.
> “How can a stall of less than one square meter be leased at N4 million? This is outrageous and must be stopped,” he said.
He added that the Bola Ige International Market, historically known as a haven of commerce and livelihood for traders—especially women—has now become a source of pain due to government policies.
> “Our mothers and fathers who have made a living from selling clothes in that market are now in distress. Why should a Governor turn their source of livelihood into a place of sorrow?” Dr. Abiola lamented.
He called on the people of Oyo State to remain vigilant and to hold their leaders accountable for policies and actions that undermine their welfare.
News
Okowa Left Ndokwa in Darkness, Ochei Will Defeat Him – Hon. Gift Okwuolise, Ph.D., Campaign Director-General
The Director-General of the Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei Campaign Council, Hon. Gift Okwuolise, Ph.D., has declared that former Governor and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa left the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency and much of Delta North in darkness and neglect despite holding power for 12 years. He expressed confidence that Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei will defeat Okowa in the 2027 senatorial election.
In a strongly worded statement, Hon. Okwuolise, who was the 2023 Labour Party House of Representatives candidate, said Okowa’s combined tenure as Senator representing Delta North and Governor of Delta State produced little meaningful change for the people who bore the burden of his political rise. He described the unfulfilled Okpai Independent Power Plant step-down project as the starkest symbol of that failure.
According to him, a major national power facility located on Ndokwa soil has, for nearly two decades, generated electricity that lights up distant states and the Federal Capital Territory, while host communities and the federal constituency remain without the step-down facility that would bring them reliable electricity.
“As Governor for eight years, Okowa had every opportunity to prioritise the Okpai step-down project and end the darkness. He never did,” Hon. Okwuolise stated. “That is not oversight; it is abandonment of the people who expected and deserved better.”
Beyond electricity, Hon. Okwuolise pointed to what he described as broader governance failures. He said insecurity continues to threaten farmers and rural communities, critical access roads remain in poor condition, young people lack meaningful economic opportunities, and federal presence in infrastructure and development has remained limited.
According to him, political calculations and the preservation of personal and family interests replaced the delivery of tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens across Delta North.
Hon. Okwuolise contrasted this record with the new direction being pursued by Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
He noted that Ochei has advanced a practical agenda focused on securing farms, fixing roads, pursuing the Okpai step-down project and wider electricity access, developing agro-industrial clusters, creating jobs, attracting private investment, and promoting a politics of competence rather than patronage.
The Campaign Director-General added that Ochei’s grassroots consultations across Aniocha, Oshimili and Ndokwa communities, alongside what he described as growing support and defections, show that the people are ready to reject the old order.
“His victory over Okowa is not a hope; it is a certainty. Delta North has seen twelve years of the same politics and is prepared for the New Direction,” he said.
Hon. Okwuolise, Ph.D., called on voters across Delta North, particularly in the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, to vote for the Nigeria Democratic Congress at all levels, beginning with the presidential election.
He urged voters to support the NDC presidential candidate, H.E. Mr. Peter Obi, CON; Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei for the Senate; Dr. Ugochukwu Nwokolo (Overdo), candidate for the House of Representatives, and all NDC candidates contesting for seats in the Delta State House of Assembly.
“The time has come to end the darkness and the myth,” Hon. Okwuolise concluded. “Vote NDC from the Presidency downward. Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei and the NDC offer the leadership that will work for the people, not for itself.”
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
