The Labour Party on Tuesday strongly criticised the proposed 2026 N1.68 trillion budget of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, describing it as unsustainable and harmful to the long-term economic well-being of the state.
The party has equally declared that it will not enter into any alliance with other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that it will field candidates for all elective positions in the state.
The party said that it is determined to end what he described as maladministration by the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state.
It, however, clarified that despite the party’s resolve to contest all positions in the state, the opposition party would support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The South West Vice Chairman of the party, Abayomi Arabambi, in a statement, made the remarks during the inauguration of the new executive members of the party’s Ogun State chapter held at the press centre of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Iwe Iroyin, Abeokuta.
Gov Abiodun had recently proposed a total expenditure of ₦1,668,997,993,125.44 for the 2026 fiscal year — a 63 percent increase from the 2025 budget of ₦1.054 trillion.
Tagged “Budget of Sustainable Legacy,” the governor, while presenting the budget to the state House of Assembly, explained that the proposed budget comprises ₦624.76 billion (37percent) for recurrent expenditure and ₦1.044 trillion (63 percent) for capital expenditure.
The LP Southwest Vice Chairman, however, argued that the size and structure of the budget “reflect poor fiscal judgment, urging the Abiodun-led administration to moderate the budget’s growth to a more realistic and sustainable level.
Arabambi demanded “a clear, credible and conservative financing framework that would reduce dependence on volatile revenue sources and debt financing,” while ensuring that all proposed projects are subjected to rigorous and independent assessment.
The LP chieftain equally accused the current administration of failing the people of Ogun State, alleging that residents have continued to suffer under policies that have not delivered meaningful socio-economic improvements.
He said, “What is being presented as a N1.6 trillion budget cannot be regarded as a sustainable legacy. A genuine legacy must be rooted in fiscal responsibility, transparent governance and expenditure that aligns with secure and verifiable revenue.
“This government has failed the Ogun people. We will take every necessary measure to remove the ruling APC in 2027 and offer a people-centred alternative.
“The budgets should serve as instruments of development rather than political statements. Unchecked borrowing and unrealistic projections could mortgage the future of the state.”
He called on the lawmakers to consider moderating the budget’s growth to a more sustainable level, demanding a clear, credible and conservative financing plan that reduces dependency on volatile debt-based sources.
Arabambi said, “We urge the Ogun State House of Assembly to exercise its constitutional duty with utmost diligence.
“It should consider moderating the budget’s growth to a more sustainable level, demanding a clear, credible, and conservative financing plan that reduces dependency on volatile and debt-based sources, and ensuring that every proposed project undergoes rigorous independent assessment.”
