The Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, as well as the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) and well-meaning residents of Ibadan North Local Government, have been drawn to yet another politically motivated allegation by the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO), accusing members and supporters of the APM of attacking some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Ibadan North Local Government Secretariat.
Ordinarily, such an allegation would warrant a thorough investigation rather than political grandstanding. However, it is becoming increasingly disturbing that Senator Sharafadeen Alli and his campaign organisation appear more interested in manufacturing controversies around the APM than in explaining to the good people of Oyo State why they should entrust their future to the APC.
Let it be made abundantly clear to Senator Alli: APM is not a party of hooliganism, intimidation or political violence. It is a movement built on progressive ideals, democratic participation, people-centred governance and the determination to provide succour and relief to Nigerians who have endured untold economic hardship under the APC-led Federal Government.
If Senator Sharafadeen Alli is genuinely interested in winning the confidence of the people of Oyo State, he should concentrate on selling his political vision, presenting his manifesto and explaining how his party intends to rescue Nigerians from the economic hardship, rising cost of living and mounting difficulties occasioned by the policies of the APC-led Federal Government.
He should leave APM out of his campaign’s apparent desperation for political relevance.
Senator Alli should face his Dindinrin Association campaign and stop dragging APM into every political controversy. Elections are not won through sensational allegations, manufactured narratives, name-calling or desperate attempts to blackmail political opponents.
They are won through credibility, performance, convincing ideas and the ability to earn the trust of the electorate.
It is particularly unfortunate that a campaign organisation associated with a gubernatorial candidate would resort to making sweeping allegations against an entire political movement without first establishing the facts surrounding the incident it claims occurred.
We hold Hon. Abiola Abulesowo and Mr Abanise Olanrewaju in high regard as citizens who are entitled to their political choices and constitutional rights. Nobody should be subjected to intimidation or harassment on account of belonging to a different political party. However, the mere allegation of an incident should not become a licence to criminalise an entire political party or malign individuals without establishing their involvement.
For the avoidance of doubt, Ibadan North Local Government has historically been a peaceful and accommodating local government where residents, political actors and visitors are welcomed irrespective of their political affiliations, religious beliefs, ethnic backgrounds or personal convictions.
The local government does not belong exclusively to APM, APC, PDP or any other political platform. It belongs to the people. Its secretariat is a public institution, not the private property of any political party.
However, the commitment to tolerance and peaceful coexistence should never be misconstrued as an invitation for anybody to deliberately provoke violence, threaten public peace, intimidate residents or create an atmosphere of insecurity under the guise of political participation. No responsible government or community should tolerate actions capable of endangering the general public.
The administration of Governor Seyi Makinde and the leadership of Ibadan North Local Government under the Executive Chairman, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, have consistently maintained an atmosphere of inclusiveness and peaceful coexistence. Political differences should never be allowed to undermine the security and tranquillity of the people.
It is therefore unfair, irresponsible and politically mischievous for Senator Alli’s campaign organisation to hurriedly attribute an alleged incident to APM without providing credible evidence establishing the identity, political affiliation and actual involvement of those allegedly responsible.
If there was indeed an assault, the appropriate authorities should investigate the matter, identify those responsible and ensure that justice is served. Nobody should be shielded from the law, regardless of political affiliation. But justice must be based on facts, not political assumptions, propaganda or convenient allegations.
APM is a movement of hope, not a movement of violence. It represents a political alternative to the hardship, economic uncertainty and frustration that Nigerians have experienced under the APC-led Federal Government. Its growing acceptance among the electorate should be a source of democratic competition, not an excuse for political intimidation or endless propaganda.
Rather than constantly searching for controversies with which to discredit APM and its leaders, Senator Alli should tell the people of Oyo State what he intends to do differently. He should explain how he plans to improve their lives, address unemployment, strengthen healthcare, improve education, develop infrastructure and alleviate the economic hardship confronting ordinary families.
The people are interested in policies, not political theatrics. They want solutions, not sensational headlines. They want leadership, not manufactured controversies.
It is high time Senator Sharafadeen Alli and his campaign organisation stopped chasing cheap political clout through petty politics of lies, unsubstantiated allegations and character assassination. A gubernatorial ambition should be built on substance, maturity and a convincing vision for the people, not on a desperate attempt to make another political party the subject of every campaign statement.
APM will not be distracted. APM will not be intimidated. APM will continue to engage the electorate, promote peaceful political participation and offer the people of Oyo State a credible alternative.
Senator Alli should therefore concentrate on convincing the people why they should vote for the APC rather than spending valuable campaign time explaining why they should dislike APM.
The 2027 governorship election should be about the future of Oyo State, not the frustration of political organisations struggling to sell their candidates.
Let the APC campaign on its record. Let APM campaign on its achievements and vision.
Signed,
Aderibigbe Yisahu
Head Of Media To Ibadan North Local Government Chairman
November 6, 2026.
