Oyo APC Accused of Attacking Makinde to Undermine Adekanmbi’s Governorship Ambition

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has been accused of directing its criticism of Governor Seyi Makinde towards weakening the governorship ambition of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, ahead of the 2027 election.

The allegation was made in a political commentary examining the emerging rivalry among political parties in the state, with the writer claiming that the APC had focused more on criticising Makinde than presenting its own policy proposals to voters.

The commentary argued that the growing political exchanges ahead of the 2027 governorship election had shifted attention away from critical issues such as economic development, infrastructure and public welfare.

It also alleged that the APC’s attacks on Makinde were partly driven by concerns over Adekanmbi’s growing political presence and his efforts to secure support across the state.

Adekanmbi, a former APC member, was described in the commentary as a grassroots politician with a strong understanding of governance, policy development and the challenges facing Oyo State.

The commentary claimed that the APM candidate had been engaging residents across the state, promoting sustainable development and presenting his vision for the future.

It also criticised the APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, for allegedly failing to engage sufficiently in issue-based campaigning.

It maintained that the opposition party should focus on explaining how it intends to govern the state rather than concentrating on the achievements and shortcomings of the outgoing administration.

The writer further linked the 2027 governorship contest to the economic challenges facing Nigerians under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

It questioned the APC’s proposed direction for Oyo State, citing concerns over inflation, poverty, rising living costs and the financial difficulties experienced by households and businesses.

The commentary referenced an article by columnist Blaise Udunze, published on Newscoven.com, which examined the gap between the Federal Government’s economic reform claims and the daily realities of Nigerians.

It also cited Makinde’s recent edition of his bi-monthly newsletter, The Business of Governance, in which the governor stressed that economic growth should translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

Makinde questioned the value of rising government revenue, increased foreign investment and other economic indicators if Nigerians continued to struggle with basic needs.

He argued that progress should be measured by improvements in household welfare, access to education and healthcare, and the ability of businesses to operate sustainably.

The commentary also referenced an open letter reportedly written by former presidential aide and journalist, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, to President Tinubu on October 1, 2026.

In the letter, Ojudu reportedly expressed concern over the economic hardship confronting Nigerians, noting that many citizens were struggling to afford food, healthcare, rent, school fees and transportation.

He called on the President to reassess government policies and prioritise measures that would provide measurable relief to ordinary Nigerians.

Ojudu also urged Tinubu to seek honest advice from people with different perspectives, warning against relying on advisers who might shield the President from critical feedback.

The writer described the letter as an example of constructive criticism from within the APC and questioned whether the party’s leaders in Oyo State were willing to acknowledge similar concerns about governance.

The commentary further highlighted Adekanmbi’s reported challenge to other governorship aspirants, particularly Senator Alli, to participate in public debates on their plans for Oyo State.

According to the writer, such debates would give voters the opportunity to assess the candidates’ policy proposals, leadership capacity and development priorities before the election.

It urged Alli and the APC to outline their plans for critical sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development, rather than relying primarily on criticism of the current administration.

The writer argued that the opposition should explain what it intends to do differently if elected in 2027, especially in addressing the challenges facing residents.

The commentary concluded by calling on the APC to adopt a more constructive campaign strategy and focus on policy discussions ahead of the election.

It maintained that the 2027 governorship contest should be centred on competing ideas, development plans and the ability of candidates to improve the lives of residents rather than personal attacks and political accusations.