As the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds its presidential campaign rally in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are highlighting ongoing federal infrastructure projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the development of the South-West state.
The projects, which include major road construction and rehabilitation, a proposed teaching hospital and an aviation college, are expected to feature prominently in the party’s campaign message as it intensifies mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC believes that investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic development will strengthen its appeal among voters in the state.
Major Federal Projects in Ondo State
Among the major federal infrastructure projects highlighted by the Ondo State Government are road construction and rehabilitation initiatives designed to improve transportation, trade and connectivity.
1. Ore-Ondo-Akure Road Dualisation
One of the major projects is the dualisation of the Ore-Ondo-Akure road, which connects important communities across Odigbo, Ondo West and Ondo East local government areas.
The road is an important transportation corridor for commercial activities and movement between different parts of the state.
The project is expected to improve road safety, reduce travel difficulties and support economic activities along the corridor.
Reports indicate that the Federal Executive Council approved approximately ₦153 billion for the project, with contractors subsequently mobilised to the site.
2. Ilesha-Akure-Owo-Benin Expressway
Another major project is the dualisation of the Ilesha-Akure-Owo-Benin expressway.
The road connects Ondo State with neighbouring states, including Osun and Edo, while serving communities in Owo and Ose local government areas.
The Federal Government has identified the route as an important transportation link. Although the project has experienced funding challenges, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has reportedly maintained that construction must continue and that the road should remain motorable during the process.
3. Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is another significant federal infrastructure project expected to benefit Ondo State.
Approximately 71 kilometres of the highway pass through Ese-Odo and Ilaje local government areas.
The project is expected to improve access to coastal communities, facilitate transportation and create opportunities for commercial activities, particularly in areas with significant fishing and maritime potential.
4. Akure-Ado Ekiti Road
The dualisation of the Akure-Ado Ekiti road, including the Akure-Iju section around the Ekiti State border, is also among the projects highlighted by supporters of the Tinubu administration.
The road is expected to improve connectivity between Ondo and Ekiti states while reducing transportation difficulties for commuters and businesses.
5. Ekiti-Akoko Road
The Ekiti-Akoko road is another infrastructure project identified by the state government as part of the Federal Government’s interventions in the region.
Its completion is expected to strengthen transportation links and improve access between communities in the two neighbouring states.
Teaching Hospital and Aviation College
Beyond road infrastructure, the Tinubu administration’s supporters have also highlighted investments in healthcare and aviation education.
One of the projects is the proposed Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Teaching Hospital.
The facility is expected to strengthen specialist healthcare delivery, provide additional opportunities for medical training and reduce the need for residents to travel outside the state for certain medical services.
The proposed College of Aviation is another project expected to create opportunities for young people interested in aviation-related careers.
Supporters believe the institution could contribute to skills development, technical education and employment opportunities in Ondo State.
The APC has also pointed to the appointment of Ondo indigenes into federal positions as part of what it describes as the state’s growing representation in the Federal Government.
Federal Social Intervention Programmes
Apart from infrastructure, residents of Ondo State are also among Nigerians eligible for various Federal Government social intervention programmes.
These include financial relief initiatives and other support schemes introduced to assist households, small businesses and vulnerable Nigerians.
Supporters of the administration argue that combining social intervention programmes with long-term infrastructure investments demonstrates an effort to address immediate economic challenges while building a foundation for future development.
However, the impact of such programmes depends on implementation, transparency and the ability of eligible beneficiaries to access the support.
Ondo State Government’s Projects Funded Through FAAC Allocations
While federal projects are expected to feature prominently during the APC rally, the Ondo State Government is also implementing several infrastructure and social development initiatives using resources from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), internally generated revenue and other funding sources.
FAAC is the body responsible for distributing revenue from the Federation Account among the Federal Government, state governments and local government councils.
According to figures reported by Newmail, Ondo State received approximately ₦65.4 billion in allocations between January and June 2024, while its 18 local governments received about ₦35.3 billion during the same period.
The state government says it is investing available resources in roads, education, healthcare, water supply and rural development.
Road Construction and Rehabilitation
According to the governor’s 2026 budget presentation, some of the ongoing state road projects include:
- Oke-Aro to Idanre road.
- Akungba to Ikare road.
- Okitipupa to Igbokoda road.
- Dualisation of the Igbokoda to Okitipupa road.
The state government has also announced that its rural roads programme delivered approximately 386 kilometres of upgraded roads across the 18 local government areas.
Governor Aiyedatiwa has reportedly directed that at least five kilometres of roads be constructed in each local government area before the end of 2026, representing a minimum of 90 kilometres.
The State Executive Council has also approved 101 kilometres of new road construction and rehabilitation.
Education Sector Investment
In education, the state government says it has renovated 134 primary schools at a cost of approximately ₦6.7 billion.
It has also rehabilitated 60 secondary schools at an estimated cost of ₦3.1 billion.
The projects are aimed at improving learning environments and providing better facilities for pupils, students and teachers across the state.
Healthcare Development
The state government has also highlighted investments in healthcare, including the expansion of its contributory health scheme, renovation of hospitals and recruitment of additional healthcare workers.
Another major intervention is the completion of a pharmaceutical-grade warehouse designed to improve medicine storage and distribution.
These initiatives are expected to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to essential medical services.
Water Supply Projects
In the water sector, the government has rehabilitated water schemes in Oke-Igbo, Oba Akoko, Idoani, Okitipupa, Ilutitun and Araromi-Obu.
The Owena Multipurpose Dam and Owena-Ondo water supply scheme are also among the projects receiving attention.
The government has further indicated plans to improve access to riverine communities through the construction of jetties and walkways.
What the Projects Mean for the 2027 Elections
The APC’s decision to highlight federal and state-level development projects ahead of its Akure presidential rally reflects the importance of infrastructure and public service delivery in its campaign strategy.
For the ruling party, the projects provide an opportunity to present the Tinubu administration’s achievements and strengthen its political support in Ondo State.
However, voters will ultimately assess the government based not only on announced projects but also on completed infrastructure, improved healthcare, educational opportunities, economic conditions and the quality of public services.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the performance of both federal and state governments is likely to remain a major issue in political discussions across Ondo State.
Editorial Note: This analysis examines development projects and claims highlighted by the Ondo State Government and supporters of the APC-led Federal Government. Figures, project costs, implementation timelines and completion statuses should be independently verified. The presentation of these claims does not constitute an endorsement of any political party or candidate.
