Monitor Oyo Govt’s Spending Ahead of 2027 Elections, AAC Urges EFCC

The Oyo State chapter of the African Action Congress has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to monitor and scrutinise the expenditure of state government funds ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said its request was aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public resources and stressed that it was not accusing the state government or any individual of committing a crime.

In a statement signed by the Oyo State Chairman of the AAC, Kayode Babayomi, the party said it was concerned about the pattern of government expenditure as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.

The AAC urged the EFCC to maintain vigilant oversight of the state’s finances during the electoral period and ensure that public funds were not diverted to finance political or electioneering activities.

The party said Oyo State belonged to all its residents and that government resources should be used to provide services and infrastructure that directly benefited the people.

The call came amid growing political activities surrounding the 2027 elections, with Governor Seyi Makinde among politicians whose political ambitions have generated increased public attention.

The AAC had previously accused the governor of using state resources to support political activities, including events connected to his presidential ambition. The party called for scrutiny of such expenditure and accountability where public funds were found to have been improperly used.

However, the latest petition focused on the need for preventive monitoring rather than an allegation that a specific crime had been committed.

Babayomi said the party wanted the anti-graft agency to examine spending patterns and ensure that government resources remained dedicated to public purposes.

He maintained that Oyo residents should be able to determine how their resources were being spent, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle.

The AAC also warned against using government institutions, contracts or financial resources to gain political advantage ahead of the elections.

The party said effective monitoring by anti-corruption agencies would help protect public funds and strengthen confidence in the electoral process.

It urged the EFCC to act independently and investigate any expenditure that raised concerns, while allowing the appropriate authorities to determine whether any wrongdoing had occurred.

The AAC said it would continue to monitor government activities in Oyo State and advocate for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.