OSOGBO, Nigeria — The All Progressives Congress in Osun State has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of inflating the cost of the Ede airport project by N30 billion, alleging that the upward review was designed to create a slush fund for vote buying ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Oluwole Oke, Director-General of the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council, made the allegation in a statement issued on Wednesday, describing the reported upward review of the project’s cost from N99.5 billion to about N130 billion as “scandalous and criminal.” Oke argued that the timing of the cost increase, which coincided with the election season, raised serious questions about the governor’s intentions.
“Governor Adeleke’s government has demonstrated a pattern of financial recklessness, and this latest development is a testament to his desperation to remain in power at all costs,” Oke said. “We demand an immediate and transparent explanation from the governor regarding the justification for this N30 billion increase.”
The APC chieftain also called on anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to investigate the project’s cost and ensure that public funds are not misappropriated. He urged the people of Osun State to remain vigilant and to hold the governor accountable for his stewardship of public resources.
The Adeleke administration has not yet responded to the allegations. However, the state government had previously defended the airport project as a critical infrastructure initiative that would boost economic development and create jobs in the state.
The Ede airport project is one of the flagship initiatives of the Adeleke administration, aimed at enhancing connectivity and attracting investment to Osun State. The project has been a subject of political debate, with the APC accusing the government of mismanagement and the government defending it as a strategic investment.
As the August 15 governorship election approaches, the airport project is likely to remain a key campaign issue, with both parties seeking to leverage it to gain political advantage. For now, the APC’s allegations have added a new dimension to the political discourse, and the government’s response will be closely watched.
