The Oyo State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, have exchanged criticisms over Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration and the state’s infrastructure projects ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The latest dispute followed remarks by Makinde questioning Alli’s experience as a lawyer. The governor challenged the APC candidate to identify cases he had handled in court, while defending the professional credentials of members of his administration.
Makinde, who is also pursuing the presidency in 2027 on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), said his administration had assembled professionals to manage the affairs of Oyo State.
Taking aim at Alli, the governor said, “If you like, go and vote for someone who claimed to be a lawyer but has never entered a courtroom.”
Alli’s campaign organisation subsequently responded by questioning Makinde’s record as an electrical engineer, particularly the state’s streetlight project. It alleged that the infrastructure was being powered by diesel generators and questioned the sustainability of the arrangement.
The APC campaign also criticised the renovation of the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, alleging that the facility failed to secure approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host continental fixtures involving Shooting Stars Sports Club. The organisation cited the reported cost of the renovation while questioning the quality of the work.
The exchange is significant because both camps are positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 Oyo governorship contest, with the performance of the current administration and the credentials of its potential successors becoming central issues.
Alli has also previously raised concerns about the planned use of a €55 million French concessional loan secured for healthcare development, urging that the funds be transparently deployed for their stated purpose.
Makinde’s administration, meanwhile, continues to defend its record and promote projects implemented during his tenure. The latest confrontation reflects the broader political contest in Oyo State as parties and candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 election.
