Aiyedatiwa Signs N524bn Budget Into Law

Ondo State governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has flagged off the All Progressives Congress (APC) electronic membership registration exercise, stressing that the process is critical to the growth, credibility and future planning of the ruling party.

The governor also signed the 2026 budget of N524.41 billion into lawyesterday.

The 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged the “Budget of Economic Consolidation,” was signed at the Executive Council Chamber in the Governor’s Office, Akure, the state capital.

Speaking at the flag-off of the APC e-registration training exercise held at the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) Hall in Akure, Aiyedatiwa stated that it was essential for party members to appreciate the challenges and significance of the registration drive fully.

He said the e-registration initiative aligned with the long-standing vision of President Bola Tinubu, even before he became President, adding that what the President had always envisioned was now being implemented.

According to the Governor, the exercise was not only crucial to the APC but also to the President, who is the party’s leader.

“This is to tell you how important this exercise is. It is very, very important for our party, not just our party, but the leader of our party, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

The Governor urged party members to demonstrate commitment by taking the registration exercise seriously, stressing that mobilisation should be based on influence and encouragement rather than coercion.

He explained that the exercise would also bring equalisation, as all members would be registered within the same framework and timeframe, noting that he was personally taking the lead.

Emphasising the need for diligence, the Governor urged trainees to pay attention to details during the training, describing the exercise as technology-driven.

Governor Aiyedatiwa added that information, education, skills and ICT now drive modern economies and should also be used to manage party affairs effectively.

He emphasised the importance of building a credible database, noting that it would enable the party to understand better its members, plan effectively, and enhance internal processes.

The Governor pointed out that the registration exercise had a defined timeframe, explaining that it would close on January 31, giving party officials about 33 or 34 days to register as many members as possible.

Addressing the participants, the National Vice Chairman of the APC, South-West, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, stated that the ongoing electronic registration of party members was crucial to strengthening the APC’s structure, internal democracy, and credibility ahead of future congresses and primary elections.

On budget matters, Aiyedatiwa presented a total budget proposal of N492.80 billion to the State House of Assembly on November 17, 2025, for approval and passage. The Assembly, however, passed an increased figure of N524.41 billion, which the governor subsequently signed into law.

While signing the bill, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that it comprises recurrent expenditure of N220.83 billion (42.11%) and capital expenditure of N303.58 billion (57.89%).

Underscoring his administration’s strong commitment to infrastructure and economic growth, the governor described the 2026 Budget of Economic Consolidation as a strategic blueprint to address prevailing national economic realities while positioning Ondo State for self-reliance, resilience, and enduring prosperity. “It is a solemn reaffirmation of our collective commitment to the progress, stability, and sustainable development of our beloved Sunshine State,” he added.