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APC Defends Ondo Finance Commissioner Amid PDP Allegations of Budget Padding. The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate dismissal of the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Omowumi Isaac, accusing her of padding the 2025 state budget. The PDP claims that there are significant irregularities in the Appropriation Bill, which they argue involve misuse of public funds.
In a statement released on Monday, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, raised concerns about several budget items, particularly the N11.5 billion security vote allocated to the Ministry of Finance. The PDP argues that this allocation, along with the N250 million provision for honorariums and sitting allowances, were intended for Isaac’s personal gain. Another controversial item cited by the opposition is the proposed purchase of a N230 million Toyota Prado SUV for Isaac, which they consider an extravagant expenditure in light of the state’s financial needs.
“The Ondo State 2025 Appropriation Act contains some scandalous items in the office of the Commissioner for Finance,” Peretei stated. “The N11.5 billion security vote allocated to the Ministry of Finance has not been explained to the people of the state, despite public outcry. The provision of N250 million as an honorarium and sitting allowance in the Ministry of Finance is another padded item in the budget for the commissioner’s enjoyment and pleasure. Perhaps the most insensitive of the items is the procurement of one Toyota Prado SUV for the Commissioner for Finance at a princely sum of N230 million.”
The PDP argued that these budget allocations showed gross mismanagement of public resources and called for Isaac’s immediate removal from office. The opposition party further questioned Isaac’s qualifications, noting that her claim of being a UK-trained accountant was undermined by what they described as financial recklessness.
“In view of the above budgetary allocations, the PDP believes that Mrs. Omowumi Isaac must be sacked immediately for criminally abusing her office,” the statement continued. “Her claim of being a UK-trained accountant falls flat if all she can do is fleece the people’s treasury—the supposed gatekeeper of our funds.”
The PDP also warned Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa that if Isaac was not dismissed, further actions would be taken to ensure that the people’s funds were protected. They also raised concerns about the role of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), questioning why the agency had not taken action following the alleged budget scandal.
“If the governor fails to relieve the commissioner of her duties, having failed the people of the Sunshine State, steps will be taken to prove that what is at stake is the people’s funds,” the PDP statement concluded. “Whatever happened to the EFCC team that arrived in the state in the wake of the 2025 budget scandal is inexplicable.”
In contrast, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) strongly rejected the allegations made by the PDP. In a statement, the APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, dismissed the opposition party’s claims as misleading and based on a lack of understanding of the budgetary process. Otaloro emphasized that the responsibility for preparing and presenting the state budget lies with the Ministry of Budget and Planning, not the Ministry of Finance, where Isaac serves.
“The assertions presented by the PDP are not only misleading but also demonstrate a troubling lack of understanding of the budgetary process and the responsibilities of government officials,” Otaloro stated. He went on to defend Isaac’s role, noting that as the Commissioner for Finance, she had no direct involvement in formulating budgetary allocations.
Otaloro also addressed the controversial items mentioned by the PDP, clarifying that the N11.5 billion security vote and the N250 million allocated for honorariums were part of a comprehensive budgetary framework aimed at improving security and public welfare. He stated that these allocations were transparent and open for public review, urging the PDP to focus on factual discussions rather than sensationalism.
“The claims regarding specific budget items, including the N11.5 billion security vote and the N250 million allocated for honorarium and sitting allowances, require context that the PDP has chosen to ignore,” Otaloro said. “These allocations are part of a framework designed to enhance the security and welfare of our citizens. The details of the budget, including justifications for these allocations, are publicly available and can be reviewed by any interested party.”
The APC reaffirmed its support for Isaac, describing her as a dedicated and effective steward of the state’s finances. In response to the PDP’s accusations, the APC urged the opposition party to engage in more responsible and fact-based discussions about the state’s budget.
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