Democracy Day: Abiodun&#8217;s 6 Yrs Uneventful Despite Humongous State Funds &#8211; Ogun PDP

By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta

Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), has taken a cursory look at the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun in the last six years, dismissing it as “uneventful” and one of “gross and unpardonable incompetence.”

The party in a message to the people of the state on the celebration of this year’s Democracy Day, through Hon.(Rotn) Abayomi Tella, its state chairman, it lamented that Abiodun led administration and his All Progressives Congress(APC) party have failed woefully to deliver the dividends of democracy to citizens and residents of the Gateway State.

It said that the health, education and other sectors also revealed a glaring failure of the administration to lift Ogun despite the enormous revenues garnered by the state in the last six years.

It also concluded that Governor Dapo Abiodun entered the office with big empty promises, doubting his capacity to make any difference with the remaining two years left for him to deliver on dividends of democracy.

…Abiodun calls for renewed commitment to democratic values

Meanwhile, Governor Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to democratic values, inclusive participation, and a transparent electoral process.

Abiodun also urged Nigerian youths to take their place in shaping the country’s democratic journey, participate in civic dialogue, hold leaders to account, not through cynicism, but through informed action.

The Governor stated this in his address at the at the 2025 democracy day celebration with the theme’June 12: Electoral Reforms and Democratic consolidation. Enhancing voters’ confidence through technology, held at the Hubert Ogungbe hall, June 12 cultural centre, Kuto Abeokuta.

Abiodun who was represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, noted that the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic journey cannot be overstated, as it represents both the fierce struggle and the meaningful progress Nigerians have made towards a more inclusive and participatory political order.

He said, “Today, we honour not just late MKO Abiola’s memory, but the courage of all who stood with him in pursuit of a democratic Nigeria. As we salute Chief M.K.O. Abiola, GCFR, the pride of Ogun State and a martyr of democracy, we also acknowledged the efforts of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. A fellow soldier in the pro-democracy movement, President Tinubu now carries forward the ideals of that struggle through his “Renewed Hope Agenda.’

He noted that this years theme speaks to the evolving nature of democracy, adding that though Nigeria has made commendable progress, the citizens must acknowledge the ongoing challenges still facing it, such as malpractices, voter apathy, logistical issues and electoral violence, which he noted have eroded public trust and weaken the integrity of our democracy.

While stressing the need to reinforce our democratic institutions by building trust and ensuring transparency in our electoral processes, the state helmsman said every nigerian must feel empowered to participate in election and every vote must count.

“Electoral integrity is now an expectation not an exception. To build trust, we must strengthen our institutions, embrace credible systems, and continue leveraging technology wisely. As Professor Attahiru Jega noted, “A credible electoral process is the foundation of good governance”.

He said, “In Ogun State, we remain fully committed to good governance, the rule of law, and inclusive development. Through our “Building Our Future Together” Agenda, we continue to invest in youth engagement, women empowerment, economic participation, and digital innovation. We understand that democratic confidence and political stability are essential for sustainable development.”

He noted that the state objective was not just to hold credible elections, but to build a democratic culture where every transition is peaceful, every outcome is respected, and public service is people focused, adding that it was the reason his administration gave credence to civic education in its schools, peaceful participation and creating real opportunities for youth and women to rise to leadership positions as the future of democracy lies in the hands of engaged citizens.

Below is the PDP text in full….

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With utmost dismay, the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, wishes to extend its hearty words of felicitations to the good people of Ogun State on the auspicious celebration of 2025 Democracy Day.

Interestingly, today’s celebration provides a sufficient avenue to take a cursory and detailed look at what the innocent taxpayers of the state have truly benefitted from the Dapo Abiodun-led APC government in the last 6 years.

As a people-friendly political organization, the PDP holds that the essence of government, in a constitutional democracy, is service the needs and protect the general good and wellbeing of the citizens. As we commemorate this edition of Democracy Day, we make bold to remind the people of the many areas of governance where Mr. Abiodun and his team have demonstrated gross and unpardonable incompetence.

After 6 uneventful years with Mr Abiodun and his APC in the saddle, Ogun state can not boast of accelerated road construction and rehabilitation across urban and rural areas across the state. Completion of major projects inherited from previous administration and new ones promised during the electioneering campaigns(e.g., Agro-Cargo Airport, road networks linking Ogun with Lagos) are still not in place despite the enormous revenues and earnings of this administration.
Instead, we have lopsided execution of infrastructure, with more focus on Iperu and its surroundings, while rural areas like Ogun Waterside, Imeko, Yewa North, Ipokia local government areas remain largely neglected. Several campaign projects have either stalled or remained on paper, with a limited visible impact on the grassroots.

On Healthcare and Medical Services: There is no improved access to quality healthcare and rehabilitation of primary healthcare as most public health services are completely abandoned, owing largely to lack of medical personnel

As such, PHCs across the state are still in deplorable condition, with poor staffing and a lack of essential drugs and equipment.
In the last 6 years, there is no sign of any major healthcare reform that can significantly improve healthcare delivery to the masses.

3. Education
Despite the naked lies and falsehood of the government, rehabilitation of schools, improved welfare for teachers, and digital learning support. Public Schools in rural areas still depend on self help interventions of the locals to function, increasing the numbers of out-of-school children in rural areas.

Even public schools in urban centers suffer from over population, lack furniture, teaching aids, and basic amenities, especially outside the state capital. Ogun case is indeed worrisome as teachers are owed allowances, and their working environment remains unconducive for learning in many areas.The reality around us is scary. The much-publicized digital education drive has not reached the majority of public schools.

The government is manifestly bereft of quality ideas that can stimulate Rural Development, bridging the development gap between urban and rural. Decade-long power outages in communities like Ogun Waterside, Ipokia, Ado odo and several other areas remain unresolved. With this reality, rural dwellers feel abandoned and underrepresented, with little or no government attention.

in terms of youth empowerment and job creation, many of the empowerment schemes by the government are mere plots to scratch the surface. They are more of conduit pipes to divert public resources to some private pockets. The TechHub initiative is Lagos-centered, with no statewide replication or access for thousands of rural and semi-urban youth scattered all around the state.

On governance and transparency.

Poor communication with citizens, limited town hall engagements, and allegations of nepotism in project location and employment have always been the hallmark of this administration. Details of all public contracts are shrouded in secrecy, with no clear breakdown of spending on key infrastructure. The just concluded Gateway Games readily comes to mind in this regard. Despite our insistence that the details of expenditure of the festival be made public for public accountability and public scrutiny, the Abiodun led APC administration looked away. Definitely, democracy has suffered and Ogun State has suffered more under the clueless watch of Mr Dapo Abiodun.

As we conclude, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration smuggled himself to the office with big empty promises, but the first two years have left for him can not guarantee any significant promise of Eldorado in ogun state. It is now abundantly clear that his administration is a complete disservice to the people of Ogun state and its development. For us, we are not unaware of the pains and undeserved agonies that the people have endured, our sympathies are always with them. By God’s grace, there shall be a comforting moment that would wipe their tears. We also appeal to the people to stay strong as the deciding moment that would retun our dear state to the path of development and abundant prosperity shall be enthroned, with their supports, these are democratic ideals that the PDP is eternally committed to.

Happy Democracy Day to the people of Ogun State.

Hon.(Rotn) Abayomi Tella
Chairman,
Ogun State PDP