The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has described Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential project as a script packaged to create an avenue for him to escape from the country before May 29, 2027, in his desperate bid to evade justice in view of the many alleged cases of graft and abuse of office hanging over him.

Makinde, who is in his second and final term in office as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, is the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in the 2027 general elections and is allegedly squandering the resources of Oyo State on random political activities.

In a statement issued at the weekend and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the Oyo APC faulted the reported declaration of Monday, September 21, as a public holiday in the state to popularise a musical concert organised to entertain some fun-seeking youths in Ibadan, describing the development as an abuse of office by the governor.

“Many political watchers have been wondering how an accidental governor like Seyi Makinde would dream of becoming a president at a time when a master of the game has his hands on the lever. Some pundits have also described Gov. Makinde’s tall dream as a mere show of comedy since it is devoid of any substance, clear-cut strategy and seriousness on his part as a contestant.

“Meanwhile, we can authoritatively inform the whole world that Makinde is only out to hoodwink Nigerians, distract the anti-graft agencies which are on his cases and also secure an escape route from the country anytime from January 1, 2027. We are working on the details of his plans even as relevant security agents are already on red alert because he (Makinde) will be made to answer for all his atrocities since he was sworn in as governor in May 2019.

“False asset declaration, diversion of local government council funds, contract sum variation, money laundering, land grabbing, sponsorship of violence, illegal sale of government properties, collection of fraudulent loans, contempt of court and disobedience to court orders, among other crimes, are too weighty to be swept under the carpet. The governor and the handful of individuals who are liable to prosecution over these cases know what lies ahead of them, and this explains why they want to run away before May 29, 2027.

“After he had played an inglorious role in the relegation of the PDP, Makinde made it to a colourless APM and hijacked the party’s presidential ticket. The same APM was roundly beaten in the by-elections held in six different constituencies across the country over the weekend, as it can only boast of a few members in Oyo and Bauchi states out of the 36 states and the FCT. How, then, can Makinde contest and win a presidential election in the country under the unpopular political party?” APC queried.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, has congratulated Nigeria’s Ambassador to Austria, Dr Florence Ajimobi, on her appointment as Nigeria’s Governor on the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Ajimobi’s appointment is for the 2026–2028 term, following Nigeria’s election to the 35-member IAEA Board during the agency’s 70th General Conference in Vienna, Austria.

Alli, in a statement on Sunday, described the appointment as a significant diplomatic achievement for Ajimobi and a source of pride for Oyo State and Nigeria.

He said the appointment reflected the confidence placed in Ajimobi’s diplomatic experience and her capacity to represent Nigeria in discussions on the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology.

“This is not only a personal achievement for Ambassador Ajimobi but also a proud moment for Oyo State and Nigeria.

“Her appointment reflects the confidence reposed in her ability to contribute to critical global discussions on nuclear science and technology,” Alli said.

The APC candidate said Nigeria’s membership of the IAEA Board would give the country a stronger platform to participate in global discussions on nuclear governance and advance its interests in the peaceful application of nuclear technology.

According to him, nuclear science has important applications in sectors including healthcare, agriculture, energy, environmental protection and scientific research.

Alli urged Ajimobi to use her experience to promote initiatives that would support the development and responsible application of nuclear science and technology in Nigeria and other developing countries.

He specifically mentioned nuclear medicine, food security and clean energy as areas where greater international cooperation could benefit developing countries.

“Ambassador Ajimobi’s appointment comes at a time when the world is seeking safer, cleaner and more sustainable solutions to its energy and development challenges.

“I am confident that she will bring her expertise, integrity and commitment to the board and make Nigeria proud,” he said.

Alli also commended the Federal Government for supporting Nigeria’s representation on the IAEA Board, saying the development would further strengthen the country’s engagement in international diplomacy.

He wished Ajimobi a successful tenure and urged Oyo State stakeholders to celebrate the appointment as a reflection of the state’s contribution to national and international affairs.

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation on Saturday took a swipe at Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, accusing him of displaying “gross ignorance” of the legal profession over his claim that the former attorney never practised law.

The organisation said the governor’s comment was a major legal blunder and urged him to take a crash course in what it described as “Law 101” before making further pronouncements on the profession.

The Director of Media and Publicity of the organisation, Bisi Oladele, stated this in a statement issued on Saturday in response to Makinde’s comment during a reception held to welcome him from his annual leave.

Oladele described the governor’s remark as “laughable,” alleging that Makinde had displayed his ignorance of the legal profession while attempting to discredit Alli ahead of the 2027 political contest.

The organisation said Alli’s legal career dated back to 1987, when he began his National Youth Service Corps programme with A.E. Enumah & Associates in Nnewi, Anambra State.

According to the statement, Alli was retained by the firm after his service before returning to Ibadan and joining R.A. Sarumi & Co., Solicitors, Advocates and Notary Public.

It said Alli remained in legal practice until 1991, when he became the first executive chairman of Ibadan North Local Government.

The statement added that Alli later returned to private practice and established Biodun Alli & Co. in Ibadan in 1994, where he remains the principal partner.

“Contrary to Makinde’s ignorant assertion, Senator Sharafadeen Alli is not a portfolio lawyer. He is a thoroughbred legal practitioner,” the organisation said.

The campaign organisation challenged the governor to verify Alli’s professional record with the Nigerian Bar Association and the Corporate Affairs Commission.

“Makinde could have done a simple check if governance had not been reduced to roadside talk,” it said.
The organisation also took exception to the suggestion that a lawyer’s professional status depends solely on appearing in court.

It said, “Even if Senator Alli had never seen the four walls of a courtroom, what crime would that have been?”
The group further accused Makinde of displaying what it called a “shocking illiteracy” about the scope of legal practice.

It said, “We are happy to school him further for free: Law 101.”

According to the organisation, being called to the Nigerian Bar does not require a lawyer to remain permanently in courtroom advocacy, noting that lawyers also work in government, the legislature, corporate organisations, academia, private chambers and arbitration.

The campaign organisation said Alli had deployed his legal training in various capacities, including as chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Chief of Staff, chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited and now as a senator.

It urged Makinde to “elevate his discourse,” accusing him of reducing political engagement in the state to personal attacks.

“We urge Governor Makinde to elevate his discourse. The Office of the Governor of Oyo State is a sacred place of decorum, not a beer parlour where beer parlour gist is traded,” the statement said.

The organisation also accused the governor of resorting to what it described as “petty, jealousy-driven attacks” rather than engaging Alli on governance and other issues ahead of the 2027 elections.

It maintained that Alli’s professional history was verifiable and urged the governor to check the facts before making further comments about the senator’s legal career.