- Oyo PDP dismissed allegations of financial misconduct against Governor Seyi Makinde as baseless
- The party said no verifiable evidence had been presented to support the claims
- It accused critics of spreading misinformation and reaffirmed commitment to transparency and accountability
The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected allegations of financial misconduct levelled against Governor Seyi Makinde, describing them as unfounded and lacking credible evidence.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Michael Ogunyinka, stakeholders said the claims being circulated were speculative and unsupported by verifiable records.
The statement, made available in Ibadan, was titled “Re: Baseless allegations of financial misconduct against Governor Seyi Makinde”. It noted that the party deemed it necessary to respond in order to prevent the spread of misinformation.
According to the PDP, no documentary evidence—such as budgetary references, procurement records or audit trails—had been presented to substantiate the allegations. It stressed that public finance in Oyo State operates under established legal and institutional frameworks, including appropriation laws and due process mechanisms.
“Expenditures are neither arbitrary nor concealed,” the statement read, adding that oversight by relevant authorities ensures accountability in the management of public resources.
The party also criticised attempts to link funds allocated for specific interventions to unrelated political activities, describing such claims as misleading and insensitive. It argued that issues concerning public welfare, particularly those involving victims of tragic incidents, should not be politicised.
Reaffirming its position, the PDP said the administration of Governor Makinde has remained committed to transparency, accountability and responsible governance. It pointed to what it described as measurable progress in key sectors, including infrastructure, workers’ welfare, education, healthcare and security.
“These outcomes are visible, verifiable and reflective of prudent resource management,” the statement added.
The party further urged members of the public to rely on verified information from credible sources and to disregard unsubstantiated claims. It maintained that while citizens have the right to demand accountability, such demands must be grounded in facts and pursued through appropriate channels.
The allegations were reportedly made by a group known as the Save Oyo Movement, which accused the Makinde administration of mismanaging public funds, including claims of excessive spending on political activities.
In a related development, the Oyo PDP also criticised a statement issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as disingenuous and politically motivated.
In a separate statement by another party spokesperson, Michael Ogunsina, the PDP accused the APC of attempting to create unnecessary controversy around the governor.
“Attempts to drag Governor Makinde into manufactured controversy will fail,” the statement said, adding that Nigerians are increasingly aware of what it described as a pattern of misrepresentation targeting opposition figures.
The party concluded by emphasising the importance of democratic engagement, noting that differing political views should be expressed responsibly and based on factual information.