Osun PDP Criticizes APC Over Tractor Procurement Dispute

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has sharply criticized the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) for questioning the state government’s recent purchase of tractors. The PDP’s response came after the APC raised concerns about the procurement process and the number of tractors unveiled.

In August, the Osun State government, under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke, purchased a number of tractors intended to revitalize agriculture in the state. This move was part of a broader initiative to improve agricultural productivity and support local farmers. However, the APC has expressed dissatisfaction with the procurement, claiming discrepancies between the announced and actual number of tractors.

The PDP, through a statement by James Bamgbose, its Deputy Director of Media and Publicity, has condemned the APC’s comments. The party argues that the APC’s criticism reveals a lack of understanding of basic governmental processes and functions. According to the PDP, the APC’s reaction highlights its disconnect from the electorate, which has led to its rejection in previous elections.

The PDP defended Governor Adeleke, emphasizing his commitment to his five-point campaign agenda, which includes significant investments in agriculture. The party noted that the governor’s initiatives are having a tangible impact across various sectors of the state. They highlighted that during the APC’s 12-year rule in Osun, no new tractors were added to the state’s inventory, and the tractors purchased by the PDP administration were sold off. This, they argue, underscores the APC’s failure to support agricultural development.

The PDP also stressed the importance of constructive criticism from opposition parties for effective democracy. However, they criticized the APC for its inability to offer meaningful feedback given its own record of poor governance. They suggested that the APC’s comments about tractor procurement are driven more by political rivalry than genuine concern for good governance.

In response to the APC’s questions about budgetary provisions, the PDP clarified that the state government is open to allocating additional funds if necessary through a supplementary budget. They emphasized that the announcement of N10 billion for agriculture does not imply that the entire amount has already been spent, as suggested by the APC.

The APC, led by state Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, has raised several concerns. They expressed disappointment that only 32 tractors were unveiled, despite the state government’s earlier announcement of 72. The APC also questioned the N10 billion allocated for tractors and farming inputs, noting that the total budget for the agriculture sector in 2024 is only N3.7 billion.

Lawal criticized the governor for not meeting expectations and suggested that the tractors might not have been purchased outright but rather leased to farmers on hire-purchase terms. This, he argued, raises further doubts about the state government’s transparency and commitment to agricultural development.
The APC called for a detailed clarification from the state government regarding these issues to dispel ongoing speculation and ensure that the agricultural investments are genuinely beneficial to Osun farmers.