A photograph released by the Ajeromi Ifelodun local government council during its budget retreat has triggered widespread criticism from, Opposition Parties, constituents, who say the image reflects a troubling trend of political patronage overshadowing governance.
Opposition parties in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area have sharply criticised the ruling APC after the photograph from the council’s official budget retreat appeared to show participants endorsing the re-election bid of the minimal performing federal lawmaker representing the constituency, Hon. Paul Kalejaye.
The image, which has since generated significant backlash, was condemned by several opposition figures who described the development as “improper,” “misleading,” and “an insult to constituents” who, according to them, remain dissatisfied with the lawmaker’s performance.
Dr. Emilia Ezeude, Labour Party’s House of Representatives candidate for Ajeromi-Ifelodun at the last election season, questioned the legitimacy and representativeness of the so-called endorsement.
“Who are the people that adopted him for a second term? Are they not members of his own party?” she asked. “Their opinion does not reflect the true feelings of the wider constituency. Until you go around the nooks and crannies of Ajeromi-Ifelodun to hear from the people themselves, such proclamations remain irrelevant. The same mentality is what has kept Nigeria where it is today,she said. I have nothing more to say on that.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also dismissed the photograph, insisting that Hon. Kalejaye lacks the support of the general electorate. In a reaction issued by the PDP LGA Publicity Secretary, Comrade OmoAlhaja God’s Power, the party mocked the gesture and declared the 2027 re-election bid “dead on arrival.”
“Even Mr. MHR himself knows his second-term ambition is already a failure,he couldn’t even raise his four plus four hands in endorsement,” the statement read. “Ajegunle people have awakened. They are ready to vote for a party with integrity and a clear plan to rescue and rebuild Ajeromi-Ifelodun, just as the PDP did between 2015 and 2019, the best governance period this constituency has experienced.”
In a more formal statement, the PDP Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA general Secretary, further condemned the APC, describing the budget retreat as “a shameful jamboree” hijacked for political propaganda rather than public financial planning.
“The event, meant for serious budgetary engagement, was reduced to a platform for endorsing the failed tenure of Hon. Paul Kalejaye,” said Hon. Chinedu Ezugha, General Secretary-elect of the PDP in the LGA. “His record is dismal. Whatever he claims as achievements amounts to little more than handing out meagre palliatives to party loyalists. Our people deserve meaningful development, not mediocrity.”
The PDP accused the APC of attempting to “foist again, a non-performing representative” on the constituents and insisted that the electorate will not be deceived again by “empty promises and political theatrics.”
The party called on the ruling APC to focus instead on pressing issues affecting the LGA, including infrastructure deficits, inadequate healthcare, youth unemployment, and deteriorating living conditions.
Both the Labour Party and PDP maintained that the photograph does not reflect the sentiments of Ajeromi-Ifelodun residents and reaffirmed their commitment to presenting alternatives they say will prioritize accountability, development and the genuine interests of the people as 2027 approaches.
For many constituents, the photo has become a symbol of misplaced government priorities.
Residents expressed disappointment that a forum expected to focus on developing the 2026 budget — including issues such as infrastructure, security, and worsening socio-economic conditions — was instead used to promote a politician’s interests.
“This is exactly why we keep complaining. They turn everything into politics and forget the real work,” a community leader said. “A budget retreat is not a campaign rally. It is embarrassing.”
Others questioned the professionalism of the local government officials, describing the gesture as an “insensitive display” at a time when citizens are demanding improved service delivery.
“To use public resources to indirectly campaign for someone many believe has underperformed is an insult to the people,” another resident lamented. “It shows a council more loyal to politicians than to the communities they serve.”
Civil rights advocates also raised concerns that the episode reflects deeper institutional weaknesses, including the politicization of governance processes and the erosion of public trust.
Analysts say the image suggests that personal political loyalties may be influencing administrative activities, undermining the credibility of the budget process and raising questions about the independence of local governance structures.
