Alli’s camp accuses Adekanmbi of distorting history for political gains
The campaign organisation of Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, has accused Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi of making false allegations against the senator to undermine his reputation ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The organisation, known as SSACO, made the allegation in a statement issued on Saturday by its director of media and publicity, Mr Bisi Oladele, describing Adekanmbi’s claims during a radio interview as attempts to discredit Alli and score political points.
It recalled that Alli, while serving as chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, maintained prompt salary payments and prioritised workers’ welfare, earning him an award from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State.
According to the organisation, financial difficulties faced by local governments following the Federal Military Government’s January 1993 policy on staff promotions and salary increases were nationwide challenges caused by inadequate funding.
It said the crisis continued beyond Alli’s tenure and was later addressed through institutional measures, including the establishment of the National Primary Education Commission in 1997 and the introduction of first-line charges for teachers’ salaries by 1999.
SSACO challenged Adekanmbi to produce the report supporting his corruption allegations against Alli or face a defamation suit. It also accused the administration of Gov. Seyi Makinde of weakening local government administration and depriving grassroots communities of effective governance.
The organisation said Alli, if elected governor, would revitalise the state’s 33 local government areas, strengthen their administrative and financial capacity, and reconstruct feeder and access roads to improve transportation and economic activities.
SSACO said its campaign would focus on restoring effective grassroots governance ahead of the 2027 elections, urging Adekanmbi to engage in issue-based discussions rather than what it described as attempts to distort history for political advantage.
