Bayelsa PDP criticises 15 % 2026 budget performance, queries ₦1.24trn 2027 proposal
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa has criticised the reported 15 per cent performance of the state’s 2026 budget, describing it as evidence of poor implementation and failure to deliver meaningful benefits to residents.
The party also questioned the realism of the proposed ₦1.24 trillion 2027 budget presented on Tuesday by Gov. Douye Diri, saying it lacked clear provisions to address poverty, hunger and unemployment.
The PDP stated its position in a statement issued on Wednesday by its State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ikaebimo Mark.
It said the poor performance of the current budget was reflected in the economic difficulties confronting households, with many residents still battling multidimensional poverty, rising living costs and unemployment.
According to the party, the size of a budget should not be the yardstick for assessing government performance, but the improvements it brings to the living conditions of the people.
“The true measure of a budget is not the amount appropriated, but the positive difference it makes in the lives of the people,” the statement said.
The PDP expressed concern that the proposed 2027 budget offered insufficient details on practical interventions to tackle the pressing challenges facing the state.
It said Bayelsa people needed reliable electricity, functional healthcare, affordable education, food security, employment opportunities and an enabling environment for businesses and industries.
The opposition party argued that the government must demonstrate transparency, credible budget implementation and measurable outcomes rather than rely on impressive budget figures.
It urged the state government to explain how the proposed ₦1.24 trillion expenditure would translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
The PDP also called on the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to subject the 2027 budget proposal to rigorous and transparent scrutiny.
It urged lawmakers to critically examine the budget assumptions and allocations, while demanding clear implementation targets and accountability mechanisms.
The party cautioned the lawmakers against treating the proposal as a document for automatic approval, stressing the need for them to discharge their constitutional oversight respon
sibilities.
