The campaign organisation of Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, has firmly dismissed recent claims by Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi as groundless falsehoods.
Released on Saturday by Mr Bisi Oladele, Director of Media and Publicity, the official statement accused Adekanmbi of orchestrating a campaign of deceit designed to undermine Alli’s public support ahead of the Oyo 2027 governorship election.
Unpacking the Bimbo Adekanmbi Allegations
According to the campaign team, the contentious remarks made during a recent radio broadcast reflect growing desperation among political rivals. They argue that the Bimbo Adekanmbi allegations distort historic facts simply to score cheap political points, rather than offering meaningful solutions for voters across the state.
During his tenure as Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Senator Sharafadeen Alli established a consistent record of prompt salary payments and worker support. His commitment to staff welfare even earned him a formal award from the Oyo State branch of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
Historical Context and Local Government Challenges
The campaign clarified that financial strains across local councils in early 1993 stemmed directly from a national Federal Military Government policy regarding staff promotions. Because statutory allocations fell short of the sudden wage increases, councils nationwide faced severe budget deficits.
These broader systemic issues outlasted Alli’s local government administration. Federal authorities eventually resolved the crisis through institutional reforms, including the creation of the National Primary Education Commission in 1997 and the introduction of first-line charges for teachers’ salaries in 1999.
Legal Warning and Political Accountability
In response to the unfounded claims, the campaign has issued a clear challenge. They demanded that Adekanmbi produce official documentation supporting any corruption claims against Senator Sharafadeen Alli or face immediate legal proceedings for defamation.
The statement noted that no amount of political smear tactics would erode Alli’s reputation among voters. Instead, the campaign urged opposition figures to abandon partisan attacks and participate in honest, policy-focused debate as the state prepares for its next political chapter.
Restoring Oyo State Local Government Governance
Shifting focus to policy, the campaign criticised the current administration of Governor Seyi Makinde for weakening municipal structures. They argued that current policies have stripped local councils of autonomy, leaving grassroots communities without effective public services.
If victorious in the upcoming election, Senator Sharafadeen Alli promises to overhaul Oyo State local government governance across all 33 local council areas. His plan focuses on restoring administrative independence, strengthening local finances, and ensuring local authorities can directly serve their residents.
Key priorities for his proposed administration include rebuilding crucial feeder roads and improving local access routes to boost trade, support rural farmers, and drive economic growth across Oyo State. The campaign expressed full confidence that voters will reject misleading rhetoric in 2027 in favour of genuine grassroots reform.
