The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has dismissed reports that he and members of his campaign team were stoned during recent consultations in Igbeti and Kishi, describing the claim as “the figment of the imagination” of those behind it.
Alli, who spoke on Sunday at an APC stakeholders’ meeting and press conference, said his delegation received a warm and enthusiastic reception throughout its consultations across Oyo North, particularly in Igbeti and Kishi.
He said there was no incident of violence or hostility during the visits, contrary to reports published in some sections of the media.
According to him, the large crowds that welcomed him and his running mate in the two communities demonstrated the growing acceptance of the APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“I want to use this opportunity to tell the whole world that we were received warmly, loudly, in all the places where we went, and there was nowhere where anything untoward happened, not to talk of getting stoned, as has been said or carried in some sections of the media,” Alli said.
He described the turnout in Igbeti and Kishi as massive, saying the crowd that received his team at Yoyi, on the boundary of the area, was significantly larger than what the party witnessed during its 2023 activities.
“When we got to Kishi, it was already getting dark, and the crowd was so massive that the crowd we met at Yoyi, at the boundary, was much more than what we had there in 2023,” he said.
Alli also said the reception at the Kishi Town Hall was overwhelming, noting that the venue was already filled to capacity when his delegation arrived at about 8 p.m.
“For anybody to now come up with the idea of saying that we were stoned, it is the figment of their own imagination. We were warmly received, and on getting to the hall at 8 p.m., when we got to the town hall, it was filled to the brim,” he said.
The APC candidate used the occasion to call for unity among party leaders, aspirants and members, particularly those who contested the party’s various nomination processes.
He urged aggrieved members to put their differences behind them and join forces with the party ahead of the 2027 election.
“I want to implore all of you, let’s all be on board. Let’s ensure that we get to power. It is for us. The coming government is for us,” he said.
Alli assured party members that he and his running mate would sustain the momentum generated by the ongoing consultations.
“I want to plead with you, let’s keep the tempo at which we are moving right now. I want to assure you, on my behalf and that of our deputy, that we are going to keep it on,” he added.
He expressed appreciation to APC leaders, aspirants and candidates in Olorunsogo, Irepo and Ogbomoso local government areas for their support during the consultations.
Promises LG Autonomy
Alli also unveiled part of his governance agenda, promising to grant local governments in Oyo State full administrative and financial autonomy if elected governor in 2027.
According to him, the policy would strengthen grassroots administration, enhance development and give local governments greater capacity to respond to the needs of their communities.
He said his administration would ensure that local governments had the freedom and resources required to function effectively.
“I will only mention one or two, that as, by the grace of God, when I am sworn in on May 29, 2027, by His grace, there is going to be full administrative and financial local government autonomy in Oyo State,” Alli said.
The APC candidate urged party members to remain united, saying the success of the party in the 2027 election would depend largely on their ability to work together.
