Bayelsa PDP Faults 2027 Budget, Cites Poor 2026 Performance, Poverty

The Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the reported 15 per cent performance of the 2026 budget, describing it as shameful and an indication of poor budget implementation by the Governor Douye Diri–led administration.

The party also faulted the proposed N1.24 trillion 2027 budget, describing it as unrealistic and lacking clear provisions to address poverty, hunger and unemployment in the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ikaebimo Mark, the PDP said the low performance of the current budget raised serious questions about the government’s capacity to implement its fiscal commitments.

It noted that the poor implementation was reflected in the difficult economic conditions confronting residents, many of whom continue to struggle with multidimensional poverty, rising living costs, unemployment and inadequate access to essential services.

According to the party, the true value of a budget should not be measured by the amount appropriated but by its tangible impact on the lives of the people.

The PDP further questioned the assumptions behind the proposed N1.24 trillion 2027 budget, arguing that the government had yet to demonstrate satisfactory implementation of its existing fiscal commitments.

It said that beyond the impressive budget figure, the proposal lacked sufficient details on practical measures to tackle poverty, hunger and unemployment.

The opposition party stressed that Bayelsans needed more than huge budgetary allocations, insisting that government spending should translate into reliable electricity, functional healthcare facilities, affordable education, food security, employment opportunities and a conducive environment for businesses and industries.

It maintained that budgetary promises must be backed by transparency, credible implementation and measurable improvements in the living conditions of ordinary citizens.

The PDP therefore called on the state government to explain how the proposed 2027 budget would address the pressing socioeconomic challenges confronting residents.

It also urged the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to subject the proposal to rigorous, independent and transparent scrutiny rather than grant it automatic approval.

The party charged lawmakers to discharge their constitutional responsibilities by examining the budget assumptions, interrogating the allocations and demanding clear implementation targets that reflect the needs and priorities of the people.