Oyo APC Campaign Threatens APM Gov Candidate with Defamation Suit

The campaign organisation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has threatened legal action against the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, over allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement.

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) described the allegations as false and accused Adekanmbi of attempting to damage the senator’s reputation and weaken his political support ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the organisation’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, accused Adekanmbi of misrepresenting historical events and using past challenges in local government administration to gain political advantage.

The group said the allegations, reportedly made during a radio interview, reflected an attempt to discredit Alli rather than present credible proposals for Oyo State’s development.

Defending Alli’s record as chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, SSACO said he prioritised workers’ welfare and ensured prompt salary payments during his tenure. It added that he received an award from the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State in recognition of his efforts.

The organisation attributed financial difficulties experienced by local governments to the Federal Military Government’s January 1993 policy on staff promotions and salary increases, arguing that inadequate allocations to implement the policy affected councils nationwide.

According to the statement, the challenges extended beyond Alli’s tenure and were later addressed through institutional measures, including the establishment of the National Primary Education Commission in 1997 and the introduction of first-line charges for teachers’ salaries by 1999.

SSACO challenged Adekanmbi to produce the report he allegedly relied on to support his corruption claims, warning that failure to substantiate the allegations could result in a defamation lawsuit.

The organisation accused Adekanmbi and his associates of using historical administrative problems to mislead voters, insisting that the allegations would not undermine Alli’s political standing.

It also criticised the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, alleging that it had weakened local government administration and prevented residents from benefiting fully from effective grassroots governance.

The campaign organisation said Alli would strengthen the administrative and financial capacity of Oyo State’s 33 local government areas if elected governor in 2027.

It added that his proposed priorities included reconstructing feeder and access roads to improve the movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activities across the state.

SSACO expressed confidence in Alli’s campaign and urged Adekanmbi to focus on policy issues rather than what it described as attempts to distort history for political gain.