The political rivalry ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election has taken another dimension following allegations that Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has increasingly sought to appear at public engagements where Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (BSA), the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, has been officially invited.
The latest controversy reportedly occurred during the 37th anniversary celebration of Oke Agbara Yoruba Church, the church founded by the late Prophet M.O. Olowere, where Senator Alli attended as the officially invited chairman of the anniversary ceremony.
According to a political commentary by David Oluokun, Adekanmbi’s appearance at the event, despite allegedly not being among the officially invited guests, has raised questions about political decorum, the growing rivalry between the two governorship contenders and what the writer described as an apparent struggle for political visibility.
Senator Alli, who was formally invited to preside over the anniversary celebration, reportedly received a warm and enthusiastic reception from thousands of worshippers and other attendees who gathered at the church auditorium to commemorate the milestone.
His presence, according to the account, attracted considerable attention from the congregation, with the senator receiving an impressive welcome from members of the religious community.
However, the appearance of Adekanmbi at the same occasion became a subject of political discussion, with Oluokun alleging that the APM candidate was not officially invited but nevertheless made efforts to attend the programme.
The writer further claimed that Adekanmbi trekked for more than ten minutes to reach the venue, describing his appearance as an attempt to attract attention at an event where Senator Alli was the recognised special guest.
Political Visibility or Desperation for Recognition?
Oluokun questioned what he described as Adekanmbi’s growing tendency to appear at public functions where Senator Alli has received formal invitations, suggesting that such appearances could be interpreted as an attempt to compete for visibility and public recognition.
The commentary argued that political leadership and public acceptance should be built through consistent engagement with the electorate, credible political structures, demonstrated competence and a record of service rather than attempts to share the spotlight with perceived political opponents.
It further suggested that the unfolding political contest in Oyo State was increasingly exposing the differences between the two candidates in terms of political standing, grassroots recognition and public engagement.
For Oluokun, the alleged incident at Oke Agbara Yoruba Church represents another indication of what he considers an unnecessary struggle for political relevance by Adekanmbi, particularly in the face of Senator Alli’s growing political profile.
Alli’s Political Standing and the 2027 Governorship Contest
The writer maintained that Senator Alli remains a formidable contender in the forthcoming governorship election, describing him as a politician with substantial political experience, established relationships and a growing support base across Oyo State.
He argued that the senator’s political engagements and interactions with traditional institutions, religious organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders have continued to strengthen his visibility ahead of the 2027 electoral contest.
Oluokun also questioned the political direction of Adekanmbi’s candidacy, portraying him as closely aligned with Governor Seyi Makinde and the outgoing administration’s political interests.
He suggested that the APM candidate would face the challenge of convincing voters that his political ambition represents a genuinely independent alternative rather than an extension of the present administration.
Makinde’s Political Legacy Under Scrutiny
The commentary also extended its criticism to Governor Seyi Makinde, arguing that the political narrative surrounding his administration and its preferred political succession strategy could become a significant issue in the 2027 governorship election.
Making reference to the governor’s recent media engagements, particularly the controversial BCOS interview, Oluokun described the administration’s changing political messaging as an indication of growing uncertainty surrounding its political legacy.
He further employed the expressions “Omikomi 3.0 Pro Max” and “7.0” to criticise what he characterised as the administration’s political branding and communication strategy.
According to the writer, the forthcoming election will provide an opportunity for Oyo State voters to assess the performance of the present administration and determine the political direction they desire for the state beyond 2027.
Political Acceptance Cannot Be Forced
Concluding his commentary, Oluokun argued that public acceptance cannot be secured through physical appearances at political, religious or community gatherings alone.
He maintained that genuine political relevance is established through credibility, accessibility, service delivery, meaningful engagement and the confidence of the electorate.
While describing Senator Alli as a stronger political contender, the writer insisted that the 2027 governorship election would ultimately be determined by the electorate rather than political theatrics or attempts to dominate public attention.
” You cannot gatecrash your way into people’s hearts. Acceptance is earned, not forced,” Oluokun declared.
