The Senator Alli Campaign Organisation has strongly criticized Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, describing him as "clueless" and an "embarrassment" to the state. This criticism stems from Makinde's recent admission that despite increased allocations from the Federation Account, Oyo State has not seen a corresponding reduction in hunger. The organisation's Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, made these remarks in a statement on Tuesday.
Makinde's comments were made at an Allied Peoples Movement (APM) North-Central Town Hall meeting on Monday in Lafia, Nasarawa State. During the meeting, he acknowledged that states, including Oyo, were receiving more money from the Federation Account. However, he noted that this increased revenue had not translated into relief from hunger for the citizens. The Alli campaign organisation responded by stating that Makinde's admission indicted his administration's inability to address hunger effectively.
The organisation highlighted that Makinde's acknowledgment of higher allocations confirmed that states were receiving more revenue under the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration. They questioned why the Federal Government should also be expected to take responsibility for how Oyo State deploys its increased revenue. The campaign organisation argued that if Oyo State's allocation from the federation account had increased tremendously due to President Tinubu's policies, it should not be the President's duty to ensure the judicious use of those funds.
The Alli campaign organisation further accused Makinde of frustrating the effective functioning of local governments in Oyo State and opposing local government autonomy. They alleged that the governor's position was intended to preserve his influence over state and council funds. This accusation adds another layer of criticism against Makinde, suggesting that his governance style may be a significant issue for the state.
The organisation urged Oyo voters to reject what it described as an attempt to extend Makinde's style of governance beyond 2027. They stated that the governor and his preferred candidate would be rejected at the polls, indicating a potential shift in political sentiment against Makinde. This development could have implications for future elections in Oyo State.
Makinde's situation is further complicated by his previous statements on the 2027 polls and his interactions with President Tinubu. He has mentioned that the 2027 polls won't be determined by money and has queried the non-transmission of power to the Vice President. Additionally, the APM has called on President Tinubu to step aside and support Makinde for the 2027 elections. These political dynamics are unfolding against the backdrop of Makinde's criticism from the Alli campaign organisation.
The criticism from the Alli campaign organisation reflects a broader political tension in Oyo State and Nigeria. As political stakeholders position themselves for future elections, the governance style and policies of leaders like Makinde are coming under intense scrutiny. The Alli campaign organisation's statements are a clear indication that Makinde's administration and policies will be significant issues in upcoming political contests.
Key points
- The Alli campaign organisation describes Governor Seyi Makinde as "clueless" and an "embarrassment" to Oyo State.
- Makinde admitted that increased allocations from the Federation Account had not reduced hunger in Oyo State.
- The organisation accuses Makinde of frustrating local government autonomy to preserve his influence over state and council funds.
