The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of putting the state’s financial future at risk with a proposed N100bn loan, alleging that the move is driven by political interests ahead of the 2027 elections.

The organisation, in a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, condemned the proposed borrowing and criticised the Oyo State House of Assembly for approving the loan, warning that it could leave the incoming administration with a heavier debt burden.

It questioned the economic justification for taking on another major financial obligation with Makinde’s tenure expected to end in May 2027.

The campaign organisation alleged that the proposed loan had more to do with the governor’s political ambitions and succession plans than with the development of the state.

“The proposed borrowing was not driven by any genuine developmental consideration but by a desperate political agenda to finance the 2027 elections,” the statement said.

The organisation, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate its allegation that the loan was intended to fund election-related activities.

It also faulted the state House of Assembly for approving the borrowing, accusing lawmakers of failing to subject the proposal to adequate scrutiny in the interest of the people.

According to the organisation, the legislature has a responsibility to protect the state’s finances rather than approve borrowing requests without thoroughly examining their implications.

“Approval by the legislature does not automatically confer economic wisdom, transparency or public interest on a borrowing decision,” it said.

The campaign organisation further criticised Makinde’s reported presidential ambition, alleging that the governor was more concerned about his political future and preferred successor than the financial wellbeing of the state.

It insisted that no amount of borrowing could guarantee victory for the governor’s preferred candidate in the 2027 governorship election, maintaining that the people of Oyo State would decide their next governor at the polls.

The organisation warned against using the state’s borrowing powers and creditworthiness to advance partisan political interests, stressing that the consequences of excessive debt could outlast the administration that incurred it.

It also said the incoming administration could subject questionable financial commitments to lawful scrutiny, adding that legislative approval would not shield any established wrongdoing from accountability.

The campaign organisation urged Makinde to reconsider the proposed loan and ensure that he handed over a financially viable state when his tenure ends in May 2027.

“He cannot borrow his way into the presidency, neither can he borrow his preferred candidate into the Government House in Agodi,” the statement said.

It warned that although the governor’s tenure would end, the burden of any debt incurred by his administration could remain with the people for years.

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Governor Seyi Makinde over the approval of a fresh N100bn loan, vowing to hold him accountable for any public funds allegedly misappropriated during his tenure.

The party also warned against spending over N4.2bn belonging to the state’s 33 local government councils on the proposed December 29, 2026 council election.

In a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday, the APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the loan approval as an act of recklessness and insensitivity to residents’ plight.

The loan request was conveyed to the Oyo State House of Assembly in a letter read by the Speaker, Debo Ogundoyin, on Monday and subsequently approved by the lawmakers on Wednesday.

The governor reportedly said the facility would be used to refinance existing loans and fund ongoing infrastructure projects. However, the APC questioned the justification for the fresh borrowing, citing the monthly allocations received by the state and its 33 local government areas.

The party also alleged contract cost inflation, poor compliance with due process and repeated supplementary budget requests under Makinde’s administration.

Citing the reported resignation of the Director-General of the state’s Due Process Office and other senior officials, the APC called for greater scrutiny of the administration’s financial management.

It said Makinde and anyone found culpable of misappropriating public funds should be made to account for their actions after leaving office on May 29, 2027.

“Engr. Makinde and his cronies shall be made to cough out every kobo of the money belonging to our dear state which they have misappropriated while in office,” the party declared.

The state government’s response to the allegations was not available at the time of filing this report.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has distributed 10 electricity transformers to communities across the district as part of efforts to address power supply challenges and boost economic activities at the grassroots.
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‎The intervention is expected to improve electricity supply in parts of Ido, Ibadan North and Ibadan South-East Local Government Areas of Oyo State.
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‎Oseni’s media aide, Idowu Ayodele, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan.
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‎According to the statement, the beneficiaries include Jankata, Ajose communities in Ido Local Government Area; Irepodun/Iwajowa communities around the University of Ibadan (UI) in Ibadan North; as well as Iyana Court and Odinjo in Ibadan South-East.
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‎Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said the intervention was informed by the needs of communities across the senatorial district.
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‎He noted that residents had continued to seek assistance in critical areas, including electricity, water supply, roads, education, healthcare and empowerment.
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‎”Many communities across Oyo South Senatorial District have requested support in different areas, including electricity, water, roads, education and empowerment. We recognise these needs and will continue to respond as resources and opportunities permit,” he said.
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‎The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said effective representation went beyond legislative duties to include sustained engagement with constituents and efforts to address their developmental needs.
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‎He added that investments in essential infrastructure would improve living conditions, support small businesses and stimulate economic activities in beneficiary communities.
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‎The latest intervention follows an earlier distribution of five transformers to communities in Ibadan South-West, Ibadan North, Ibadan North-West and Ido Local Government Areas.
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‎The earlier beneficiaries included Oke-Ayo/Odo-Ona, Adeoyo, behind the Federal Industrial Court along Ring Road, in Ibadan South-West; the Baptist community behind NIHORT in Ido local government; Hausa community in Sabo, Ibadan North; and Opo in Ibadan North-West Local Government.
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‎The statement said the interventions were aimed at addressing electricity challenges affecting households, businesses and other economic activities in the beneficiary communities.
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‎Oseni assured residents that requests from other communities would continue to receive attention as opportunities arose, adding that community development remained an important consideration alongside his legislative responsibilities.
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