The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has challenged Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to explain why hunger remains a major concern in the state despite his admission that the state is now receiving more money from the Federation Account.

The organisation said the governor’s statement exposed a contradiction in the management of the state’s finances, asking who else should be held responsible for deploying increased revenue to improve the welfare of Oyo residents.

Makinde had, while speaking in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Monday, acknowledged that states were receiving more money from the Federation Account but said the increase had not translated into a reduction in hunger.

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, the campaign organisation said the governor’s admission should prompt serious questions about how the additional funds accruing to Oyo State were being utilised.

The statement, signed by the organisation’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, said it was contradictory for Makinde to acknowledge increased revenue and, at the same time, complain that hunger had not reduced.

“If you have acknowledged that monthly, you have been getting more money from the Federation Account, who are you expecting to come and help you to fight hunger in your state? Is it President Tinubu?” the organisation asked.

The group said the increase in federal allocations was partly a consequence of the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration, adding that states receiving more revenue should also be accountable for how such funds are used.

It said the responsibility of providing basic services and implementing state-level interventions to cushion economic hardship could not simply be transferred to the Federal Government.

The Alli campaign organisation also renewed its criticism of Makinde’s position on local government autonomy, alleging that the governor had resisted efforts to give councils greater financial independence.

According to the organisation, allowing local governments to function effectively would bring governance and development closer to the people at the grassroots.

The group described the situation in Oyo as a matter that should concern every resident, arguing that increased public revenue ought to generate corresponding improvements in the lives of citizens.

It said the controversy over allocations, hunger and local government autonomy would remain part of the issues it would place before the people of Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections.

The organisation further said the people of the state would have the opportunity to decide the direction of governance in Oyo State at the next election.

The leader of the Obedient Movement in Oyo State, Sunday Oni, has dumped the Labour Party (LP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oni, who led thousands of his supporters into the APC, also pledged to mobilise support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He made this known on Wednesday in Ibadan while formally declaring his support for the APC.

The former Labour Party stalwart was received into the party by the APC state chairman, Moses Adeyemo; the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli; the party’s candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Aderemi Oseni, and other leaders of the party.

Explaining his decision, Oni said his experience following the political alliance that supported Governor Seyi Makinde in the 2023 election contributed to his decision to leave the Labour Party.

He alleged that members of the Labour Party who participated in the alliance were left disappointed after the election, claiming that agreements reached with them were not fulfilled.

Oni said the Obedient Movement had demonstrated its organisational strength during the 2023 presidential election through its support for the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

He, however, said the movement would now deploy its mobilisation structure in support of APC candidates in 2027.

He said, “Everyone out there appreciates the fact that our Obedient Movement is strong and virile, going by what we were able to do for the LP presidential candidate in 2023, Mr Peter Obi, despite all odds.

“But this time round, our efforts will be channelled to the cause of all APC candidates, including President Bola Tinubu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Hon Remi Oseni and all others.

“We are swinging into action immediately. The crowd of LP and Obedient Movement members you are seeing here is just a small fraction of our entire population, which cuts across the 33 local government councils in the state.

“We are not here for the fun of it. We are poised to add value and our impact shall be greatly felt in the areas of mobilisation and sensitisation of voters in favour of the APC.”

Speaking at the event, Alli welcomed Oni and his supporters into the APC, describing their decision to join the party as a significant step.

He said the APC was open to people from different political backgrounds who were interested in contributing to governance and development.

Alli also spoke about his plans for Oyo State if elected governor in 2027, promising greater participation of young people in his administration.

He said, “Apart from the fact that I grew up on the streets of Ibadan, I have always been conversant with happenings in our dear state in close to 50 years of my adult life.

“With my high level of experience, expertise and zeal, Oyo State under me as governor from May 29, 2027, would witness a great measure of turnaround.”

The APC governorship candidate also promised to give attention to young people, workers, pensioners and other groups in the state.

He said his running mate, Adesoji Adedeji, would be given the opportunity to play an active role in addressing issues affecting the youth population.

The event was attended by several APC leaders, including former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Asimiyu Niran Alarape; Taofeek Lamidi; Fatai Adesina; Adekemi Opatunde; Yemi Aderibigbe; Sola Ogunbode; Olawale Sadare; Tunde Oloyede; Shina Alabi; Sunday Aborisade; Tunde Elegbede and Olalekan Oladejo.