The Presidency has dismissed claims by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that the Federal Government is withholding ₦250 billion in Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) dividend windfall meant for each state, describing the allegation as false and inconsistent with the country’s revenue-sharing framework.

Governor Makinde made the claim on Friday at the 2027 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Engagement held at the Olola Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, alleging that the funds would not be released until after the 2027 general elections.

The governor, who is also the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), said Oyo State had identified projects that could boost its economy but would be unable to proceed as planned if the expected funds remained unavailable.

“Each state was supposed to get ₦250 billion. We had already identified projects that would expand Oyo State’s economy. But they have now said the money will not be paid until after the election,” Makinde said.

However, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Sunday, rejected the allegation, arguing that the figures cited by the governor did not align with the scale of NLNG’s dividend payments or the statutory revenue-sharing formula.

Onanuga explained that distributing ₦250 billion to each of Nigeria’s 36 states would require a total of ₦9 trillion, excluding the Federal Government, the Federal Capital Territory and the 774 local government areas.

Under the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenue-sharing formula, states receive 26.72 per cent of distributable Federation Account revenue. According to the presidential spokesman, generating ₦9 trillion for the states from NLNG dividends alone would require total dividend payments exceeding ₦33.68 trillion, equivalent to approximately $25 billion, in a single declaration.

The Presidency maintained that NLNG had never paid $25 billion in dividends to the Federation Account in a single payout.

Providing historical context, Onanuga said NLNG had paid approximately $21.5 billion in dividends to the Federation over the past 25 years, with less than $3 billion realised since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.

He argued that the claim of a single dividend payout large enough to fund ₦250 billion for every state was inconsistent with the company’s historical dividend record.

The presidential spokesman also criticised Makinde’s public comments on federal revenue allocations, urging the governor to exercise restraint and present verifiable facts in his political engagements.

While acknowledging Makinde’s right to pursue his presidential ambition, the Presidency urged him to avoid what it described as false claims and disinformation during his campaign.

It also called on Nigerians to disregard the allegation, insisting that it could mislead the public and create unnecessary tension between citizens and the Federal Government.

The controversy has brought renewed attention to the scale of NLNG dividend receipts, the distribution of Federation Account revenue and the financing expectations of state governments as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

Prof. Habibat Omolara Adubiaro has expressed profound gratitude to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for reappointing her as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), describing the renewed mandate as an honour and a call to greater service.

Adubiaro, in a statement issued following the announcement of her reappointment, appreciated the governor for the confidence reposed in her capacity, dedication and commitment to the development of the state.

She pledged continued loyalty, diligence and commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Oyebanji administration, assuring that she would work towards the successful implementation of its policies, programmes and development agenda.

The SSG said her renewed appointment offered another opportunity to contribute meaningfully to building a peaceful, prosperous and progressive Ekiti State.

She also expressed appreciation to the First Lady of Ekiti State, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her encouragement, support and contributions to the growth and development of the state.

Adubiaro extended her gratitude to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Dr. Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, and Olori Abosede Adejugbe for their goodwill, prayers and support, noting the important role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, cultural heritage and sustainable development.

She equally appreciated the Grand Imam of Ekiti State and President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas in Southwestern Nigeria, including Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, as well as the Muslim community in the state, for their prayers, spiritual guidance and encouragement.

The SSG also acknowledged the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their solidarity and support, reaffirming her commitment to the ideals of the party and collaboration with political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders to advance the administration’s development agenda.

She did not leave out her family members, friends, associates and well-wishers, whom she thanked for their congratulatory messages, prayers and expressions of goodwill following the announcement of her reappointment.

Adubiaro further pledged to discharge her responsibilities with professionalism, accountability, transparency, teamwork, humility and integrity, stressing that she remained conscious of the high expectations associated with public service.

She assured the people of Ekiti State of her determination to work closely with relevant stakeholders to translate the governor’s vision into tangible benefits for residents.

The SSG also prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for Governor Oyebanji, while seeking peace, unity and prosperity for the state’s traditional institutions, religious leaders, political stakeholders, public servants and residents.

She reiterated her resolve to justify the confidence reposed in her through dedicated service and an unwavering commitment to the progress and development of Ekiti State.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has made his first set of appointments following his inauguration for a second term in office, retaining three key members of his administration.

The governor approved the reappointment of Professor Habibat Adubiaro as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo as Chief of Staff, and Mr Olayinka Oyebode as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor.

The appointments were announced on Friday, October 16, 2026, shortly after Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Christianah Afuye, were inaugurated for another term in office in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, the appointments take immediate effect.

The decision to retain the three principal officials ensures continuity in key administrative, executive and communication positions as the governor begins his second term.

As Secretary to the State Government, Professor Adubiaro occupies a strategic position in the coordination of government policies, administrative processes and inter-agency relations.

Similarly, Adebayo, as Chief of Staff, is responsible for supporting the governor’s office and coordinating executive activities, while Oyebode oversees official communications and media relations for the state government.

The reappointments constitute the first official appointments announced by Oyebanji since his inauguration for a second term, signalling the continuation of the existing leadership structure in these critical offices.

The statement did not indicate whether further appointments would be announced in the coming days.

The announcement was signed by Olayinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ekiti State.