A heated verbal exchange has erupted between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 governorship election. The public spat began on September 18, when Governor Makinde, who is not contesting the next election but is concerned about who will succeed him, addressed civil servants and supporters at the Oyo State Governor's Office in Ibadan. He cautioned the people of Oyo State to carefully consider their choice of governor, warning against voting for individuals who are not qualified.
Governor Makinde specifically targeted Senator Alli, implying that he was not a genuine lawyer and had never practiced law. He also criticized another individual for promising to establish a Ministry of "Kokoroalate," describing governance as a serious business, not a joke. Senator Alli's campaign organization swiftly responded, denying the governor's claims and describing them as ignorant and bitter. According to the campaign, Alli is a thoroughbred legal practitioner with a long history of law practice in Ibadan.
The campaign organization provided details of Senator Alli's law practice, including his work with R. A. Sarumi & Co. Solicitors and his establishment of Biodun Alli & Co. in Ibadan in 1994. They described Governor Makinde's comments as an attempt to advertise his own ignorance and demonstrate his bitterness. The organization also questioned Governor Makinde's engineering credentials, citing the use of diesel-powered streetlights in Ibadan and the failure of the renovated Lekan Salami Stadium to secure CAF approval.
The campaign organization criticized Governor Makinde's administration for wasting state funds on streetlights powered by fuel-guzzling generators, describing it as an outdated and environmentally harmful arrangement. They also expressed disappointment that the administration had destroyed solar infrastructure and electric poles installed by the previous administration, instead of repairing and upgrading them. The organization raised questions about Governor Makinde's competence, priorities, and commitment to prudent management of taxpayers' money.
Furthermore, the campaign organization highlighted the failure of the renovated Lekan Salami Stadium to secure CAF approval for Shooting Stars Sports Club to host a continental fixture. They described the situation as an embarrassment to the people of Oyo State and a disgrace to the Makinde-led administration. The organization implied that Governor Makinde's administration prioritizes publicity over quality and durable results.
Governor Makinde responded to the campaign organization's comments, cautioning Senator Alli to stop engaging in petty political bickering. He stated that the people of Oyo State understand the difference between loud political noise and steady, competent delivery of real governance. Governor Makinde expressed confidence that no amount of manufactured outrage can change the people's perception of his administration.
The public spat between Governor Makinde and Senator Alli is seen as a battle for relevance in the 2027 governorship election. While Governor Makinde is not contesting the election, his comments suggest that he is concerned about who will succeed him. Senator Alli's campaign organization has vowed to continue to hold Governor Makinde accountable for his administration's actions.
Key points
- Governor Seyi Makinde and Senator Sharafadeen Alli engage in public spat over 2027 governorship election
- Campaign organization questions Governor Makinde's engineering credentials and administration's handling of state funds
- Governor Makinde cautions Senator Alli to stop petty political bickering, confident in his administration's delivery of real governance
