Makinde dismisses spoiler tag, accuses Alli of fearing his presidential ambition
By Adejayan Gbenga
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed allegations that he is seeking to play the role of a spoiler in the 2027 presidential election, accusing the campaign organisation of Senator Sharafadeen Alli of being apprehensive about his presidential ambition.
Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said this in a statement on Wednesday while reacting to comments by the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) on the governor’s aspiration.
SSACO had criticised Makinde’s ambition, alleging that he was pursuing a spoiler’s agenda in the forthcoming presidential election. However, Olanrewaju described the allegation as baseless, saying it reflected the organisation’s political anxiety rather than any weakness in the governor’s bid.
He said Makinde, who is the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), was seeking to reset Nigeria and build a country that works for all citizens. According to him, the governor’s ambition is anchored on a clear national vision, responsible leadership and issue-based governance.
Olanrewaju also faulted suggestions that Makinde would abandon his presidential ambition to play a spoiler’s role, describing the argument as illogical. He accused the campaign organisation of misrepresenting the governor’s intentions.
The media aide further questioned SSACO’s claim that Makinde stood no chance against the incumbent president, asking why the organisation continued to focus on his candidacy if it posed no threat.
He also accused the senator’s campaign organisation of showing similar apprehension towards the APM governorship candidate in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi. Olanrewaju maintained that Makinde’s national engagements were driven by concerns about stability, competence and good governance.
The aide added that the support Makinde was attracting across the country demonstrated the growing strength of his presidential ambition. He insisted that criticism and attempts to create political distractions would not derail the governor’s campaign, adding that Makinde remained committed to his aspiration and continued engagement with Nigerians.
