Political Advocacy Group Dismisses Criminal Allegations Against Gov. Abiodun, Highlights Ogun Economic Growth
A political support group backing Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Sustainability of Ogun State and Dapo Abiodun Legacy Beyond 2027 has dismissed allegations of financial misconduct and criminal impropriety levelled against the governor, insisting that critics have failed to provide evidence to support their claims.
In a lengthy rejoinder signed by the group’s Convener, Arabambi Abayomi, the group accused former governor and senator Gbenga Daniel of sponsoring media attacks against Abiodun over recent political developments in Ogun East Senatorial District.
The statement argued that the allegations surrounding the purported diversion of N17 billion belonging to local governments had already been debunked.
According to the group, the funds referenced were part of state government interventions used to augment local government salary shortfalls between 2019 and 2022.
The rejoinder explained that allocations to local councils during the period were insufficient to meet wage obligations, prompting the state government to inject additional resources through the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) arrangement.
“The governor did not divert funds. The state government augmented local government allocations to ensure workers were paid,” the statement said, adding that all 20 local government chairmen and labour representatives participated in JAAC decisions.
The group also faulted repeated references to an alleged 1986 arrest involving the governor in the United States, describing the claims as politically motivated and lacking legal relevance.
It maintained that no court conviction or constitutional disqualification existed against Abiodun, noting that he had successfully contested governorship elections and survived legal scrutiny.
On claims linked to the Pandora Papers, the group argued that being listed as a beneficial owner of offshore companies was not in itself evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
The statement further shifted attention to what it described as the governor’s developmental achievements since assuming office, including economic expansion, industrial growth, infrastructure renewal and aviation development.
According to the group, Ogun State’s internally generated revenue rose from about N45 billion to over N240 billion annually under Abiodun’s administration, while the state’s GDP reportedly increased from N4 trillion to approximately N17 trillion.
It also highlighted the recent international airlift of 345 Hajj pilgrims from the Gateway International Airport in Iperu directly to Saudi Arabia, describing it as a landmark achievement for the state.
The support group said the development positioned Ogun on the international aviation map and would boost investment, tourism and employment opportunities.
The statement additionally cited ongoing road projects across the state and increasing industrial activity within Ogun’s free trade zones as evidence of the administration’s performance.
Abayomi urged party delegates and stakeholders to focus on governance records rather than “unsubstantiated allegations,” insisting that Abiodun’s political popularity stemmed from visible projects and economic reforms rather than media campaigns.
