The Ondo State chapter of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has criticised the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing its performance as a regression across key sectors more than two years after he assumed office.
In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Owolola Adebola, the group said the governor’s early promise of renewal has not translated into measurable progress, arguing instead that conditions in the state have deteriorated.
According to the NDC, Ondo’s economic direction remains unclear, with weak internally generated revenue and continued reliance on federal allocations. It noted that capital projects are reportedly underfunded, while recurrent spending dominates, raising concerns about fiscal priorities and transparency. The group added that the absence of a coherent economic strategy has left policy efforts fragmented and largely reactive.
The statement also highlighted challenges in the education sector, pointing to deteriorating infrastructure, irregular teacher welfare, and poor student outcomes in national examinations such as WAEC and NECO. It said many schools, particularly in rural areas, still lack basic facilities including electricity, proper seating, and sanitation, while promised reforms in teacher development and curriculum modernisation have yet to be implemented at scale.
In agriculture, the NDC argued that despite the sector’s importance to the state’s economy, government interventions have produced limited results. Farmers, it said, continue to face inadequate access to inputs and weak extension services, with no clear roadmap for developing value chains in key crops. The group added that irrigation systems and dry-season farming initiatives remain underdeveloped, limiting productivity gains.
On security, the coalition expressed concern over what it described as rising incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and communal clashes, accusing the government of relying on short-term responses rather than a comprehensive strategy. It said the absence of coordinated security planning and grassroots engagement has left many communities vulnerable.
The group further criticised the business environment in the state, citing policy inconsistency, stalled industrial initiatives, and poor infrastructure. It noted that road networks, water supply, and electricity remain inadequate, while public services such as waste management and healthcare suffer from weak funding and execution.
The NDC also raised concerns about governance and accountability, alleging limited transparency in budget processes and insufficient engagement with civil society. It argued that the administration’s response to criticism has often been dismissive, undermining public trust.
The coalition concluded that the cumulative effect of these challenges points to a state struggling to make progress, urging the government to adopt a more strategic and responsive approach to governance.
