Abiodun APC-Led Ogun Government Under Fire For Marginalising Local Caterers At National Sports Festival

PDP Accuses APC, Governor Dapo Abiodun of betrayal, demands apology and compensation for victims at National Sports Festival…

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned in strong terms the alleged sidelining of over 80 local caterers in the ongoing National Sports Festival hosted by the state, describing the development as a betrayal of trust and a missed opportunity to empower residents.

In a press statement issued by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Arc. Otunba Kayode Adebayo, the opposition party accused the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of turning what should have been an economic lifeline for small business owners into a spectacle of disappointment and exclusion.

According to the statement, the affected caterers—many of them women, widows, and small-scale entrepreneurs—had committed their limited resources with the hope of participating in the multi-billion-naira event. However, they were allegedly dropped at the last minute in favour of Babcock University, a private institution outside the pool of originally engaged stakeholders.

“This shameful act represents a complete deviation from the standard set during the last time Ogun hosted the festival in 2006 under the PDP administration of H.E. Otunba Gbenga Daniel,” the statement read. “Then, the event was a true celebration of inclusion, local empowerment, and strategic planning. What we are witnessing today is the opposite—a disorganized, insensitive, and exploitative venture under the APC.”

The PDP described the incident as a “cruel betrayal” of Ogun citizens and argued that the state’s resources and opportunities meant for locals were being hijacked to benefit outsiders without accountability.

“It is not just unfortunate—it is heartbreaking. How can a government raise the hopes of its people, many of whom are struggling to survive, and then abruptly shut the door in their faces after securing their commitments?” the statement queried.

The party also recalled similar instances of what it termed “government-backed deception,” including the unresolved issues surrounding the Kobape Housing Scheme in 2024, where citizens reportedly made deposits for houses without allocation.

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The statement further emphasized that while private institutions like Babcock University may collaborate on events of such magnitude, they should not be given priority over grassroots stakeholders who were initially assured participation.

“This administration has once again proven that it neither values sincerity nor the economic well-being of its citizens,” Adebayo said. “Only a heartless and disconnected leadership would treat its people with such disregard.”

The PDP called on Governor Abiodun to intervene immediately by directing the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to reverse the injustice, apologize to the affected caterers, and provide fair compensation for the emotional, financial, and economic losses they have suffered.

“This is not just about caterers—it is about respect for promises, inclusion in governance, and prioritizing the people over privileged interests,” the PDP stressed.

Despite the controversy, the party urged residents of Ogun to remain hospitable to athletes and visitors arriving from across Nigeria. “Our people are known for warmth and generosity. Let us not allow the government’s failures to taint the image of our state,” the statement noted.

The PDP ended with a call to action, encouraging Ogun citizens to remain hopeful for a better future under a more people-focused government.

“The countdown to the end of this insensitive administration has begun,” the party declared. “We assure the people of Ogun that when a PDP-led government returns, it will restore dignity, transparency, and true economic empowerment—just as we did in 2006. A new dawn is coming.”