Alli camp accuses Makinde of failing to boost Oyo’s productivity

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of failing to translate increased federal allocations into productive economic activities capable of generating jobs and wealth for residents.

The organisation made the allegation while reacting to Makinde’s recent interview with a national television station, describing the governor’s comments on the economy as evidence of what it called his administration’s lack of a clear strategy for driving economic productivity in the state.

In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, SSACO said it was disappointing that Makinde could not explain why his administration had failed to achieve significant industrial development despite increased federal allocations since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

The campaign organisation claimed that Oyo received about N145 billion in federal allocations in 2024 and N214 billion in 2025, arguing that the additional revenue should have been channelled into creating an enabling environment for industrialisation, business growth and employment generation.

It also criticised the state government’s reported expenditure of N8.5 billion on an electricity project, which it described as unsuccessful. Comparing Oyo with Lagos, Ekiti and Abia states, SSACO said the three states had taken advantage of the Electricity Act 2023 to explore opportunities in electricity generation and distribution.

According to the organisation, Makinde’s administration had failed to take similar steps to ensure reliable electricity for industries, businesses and households. It also questioned the governor’s criticism of the Federal Government over power supply, arguing that his administration should first address challenges within the state’s electricity sector.

Meanwhile, SSACO outlined some of the proposed policies of its principal, Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, ahead of the 2027 election. It said his Oyo AHEAD agenda would focus on addressing what it described as shortcomings in different sectors of the state.

The proposed policies include establishing a state electricity regulatory body, promoting solar energy, providing low-interest funding for businesses, reviving the state’s free trade zone and setting up a N10 billion youth development fund. SSACO added that Alli’s proposed alignment with the Federal Government would position Oyo to benefit from federal policies and programmes, urging residents to support his candidacy in 2027.