The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has launched a forceful rebuttal of allegations made by Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, dismissing them as politically motivated claims allegedly intended to undermine the reputation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 election.
In a statement issued on Saturday, SSACO’s Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Bisi Oladele, accused Adekanmbi of distorting historical records and attempting to exploit past local government funding challenges to discredit Senator Alli.
The organisation maintained that Alli’s record as former Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, particularly in workers’ welfare and salary administration, contradicted the allegations being circulated against him.
According to SSACO, Alli maintained a record of prompt salary payments and workers’ welfare during his tenure, earning recognition from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State.
The campaign organisation also argued that financial difficulties confronting local governments following the Federal Military Government’s January 1993 policy on staff promotions and salary increases were nationwide challenges associated with inadequate funding, rather than problems unique to Alli’s administration.
It cited subsequent institutional interventions, including the establishment of the National Primary Education Commission in 1997 and the introduction of first-line charges for teachers’ salaries by 1999, as part of the historical context it said must be considered when assessing the period.
In its strongest challenge yet, SSACO demanded that Adekanmbi produce the report allegedly supporting his corruption accusation against the senator, warning that the failure to substantiate the claim could lead to a defamation suit.
The organisation also criticised Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration over what it described as the weakening of grassroots governance, arguing that local governments require stronger administrative and financial capacity to deliver meaningful development.
SSACO said Alli, if elected governor, would seek to revitalise all 33 local government areas in Oyo State and prioritise the reconstruction of feeder and access roads to improve transportation, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and stimulate economic activity.
The organisation expressed confidence in Alli’s political prospects ahead of 2027 and urged Adekanmbi to focus on verifiable facts, public accountability and practical development proposals instead of allegations it described as partisan.
The claims made by both sides have not been independently established in the information provided, and the demand for documentary evidence remains central to resolving the dispute.
