The Oyo State Government and the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) have traded words over the presidential ambition of Governor Seyi Makinde following the reported rejection of the governor by some Allied Peoples Movement (APM) leaders in the South-South zone.
While the governor’s media aide, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, accused SSACO of being in panic mode over Makinde’s presidential ambition, the campaign organisation described the reported rejection by the APM leaders as further evidence that the governor’s ambition was “dead on arrival.”
In a press release dated October 21, 2026, Olanrewaju dismissed SSACO’s allegation that Makinde was pursuing a spoiler’s agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the claim as misplaced and unfounded.
He argued that the campaign organisation’s persistent attacks on the governor reflected apprehension rather than confidence in its political position.
According to him, Makinde, who is the presidential candidate of the APM, is pursuing a national agenda aimed at resetting Nigeria and building a country that works for all citizens.
He said the governor’s ambition was anchored in a clear national vision, responsible leadership, constructive engagement and issue-driven governance.
Olanrewaju also questioned why SSACO continued to focus on Makinde if, as it claimed, the governor had no realistic chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the presidential election.
He maintained that the campaign organisation’s repeated criticism of Makinde demonstrated its concern about the governor’s growing political influence.
The governor’s aide also accused SSACO of displaying similar apprehension towards Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, the APM governorship candidate in Oyo State, arguing that its attacks on the candidate were signs of political insecurity.
Olanrewaju insisted that Makinde remained committed to engaging Nigerians across the country on issues of national development, stability and competent leadership.
He added that the governor’s presidential campaign was gaining momentum and could not be derailed by what he described as manufactured controversies.
However, SSACO, in a separate statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, said the reported rejection of Makinde by APM stakeholders in the South-South zone vindicated its earlier position on the governor’s presidential ambition.
The campaign organisation said the APM leaders had, in a newspaper advertorial published on Wednesday, passed a vote of no confidence in Makinde, accusing him of lacking the substance, political will and focus required to lead the party.
SSACO alleged that the governor was using his presidential ambition to negotiate a political soft landing ahead of the 2027 elections rather than pursuing a genuine bid for the presidency.
It further accused Makinde of seeking to undermine President Tinubu’s electoral prospects in the South-West through what it described as a questionable presidential campaign.
The organisation also predicted that Tinubu would defeat Makinde in Oyo State, while Alli would defeat Adekanmbi in the governorship election.
It described Adekanmbi as Makinde’s political ally and accused the governor of seeking to install him for an undemocratic third term.
SSACO, however, expressed confidence that Alli’s Oyo AHEAD agenda would accelerate development in the state if he emerged victorious in the 2027 governorship election.
The campaign organisation also alleged that Makinde’s political structure in Oyo State was weakening, citing what it described as the resignation of aides and party leaders from his administration and political camp.
It questioned the governor’s ability to lead the country if he could not effectively manage his political associates and party structures in his home state.
The statement further accused Makinde of disregarding established party structures and abandoning individuals who allegedly supported his victories in the 2019 and 2023 governorship elections.
SSACO maintained that the reported position of the South-South APM stakeholders reinforced its claim that the governor’s presidential ambition lacked a viable political foundation.
