The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has raised strong objections to an alleged plan by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to construct a new Government House Secretariat in Ilorin, describing the move as illogical, wasteful, and a glaring case of misplaced priority.
In a statement released on Monday by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP accused the governor of plotting to siphon public funds under the guise of the new project, at a time when many communities are grappling with severe infrastructural decay.
“Governor Abdulrazaq has barely two years left in office. What pressing purpose does a new Government House Secretariat serve at this twilight of his tenure?” the statement queried.
The opposition party pointed to widespread challenges plaguing the state including deplorable roads, dilapidated school buildings, poorly equipped hospitals, and rising poverty levels arguing that these issues demand urgent attention, rather than what it termed a “luxury vanity project.”
It further criticized the government for neglecting the existing Government House, which, despite being described as luxurious and aesthetically modern, has reportedly been underutilized since 2019 due to the governor’s refusal to take residence there.
“In 2021 alone, over ₦3.2 billion was earmarked for its renovation,” the PDP claimed, questioning the logic of building a new secretariat when the existing one remains unused and expensive to maintain.
The party also demanded full disclosure of the contract details and financial terms of the proposed new complex, urging transparency and accountability amid worsening economic hardship in the state.
Furthermore, the PDP raised alarm over reports that the contract might be awarded to a foreign firm, a move it said contradicts the ‘Otoge’ mantra of promoting local contractors and empowering indigenous businesses.
“This is a betrayal of the people’s trust and a dangerous mortgage of Kwara’s future on non-essential, white elephant projects,” the statement read.
The PDP called on the people of Kwara to remain vigilant and demand accountability, warning that the administration’s developmental priorities are increasingly disconnected from the everyday realities of citizens.
