Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has said the quest by Senator Sharafadeen Alli to become the governor of Oyo State has made him to descend to desperation, distortion and frantic struggle for relevance.
He, however, assured that the alleged desperation and distortion of facts by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2027 elections cannot dim the steady progress of the state.
The governor stated these in a release by his Special Adviser (Media), Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in reaction to allegations by Alli that the present administration has failed to live up to expectations of the people of the state.
The Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation had condemned the Makinde-led administration, alleging that it did shoddy jobs as regards streetlights and renovation of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, among others.
Reacting to the allegations, the governor’s media aide stated that the people of Oyo State understood the difference between loud political noise and the steady, competent delivery of real governance.
Olanrewaju added that, rather than blaming Governor Makinde, Senator Alli should be ashamed of the failure of the APC‑led Federal Government to meet up with the basic needs of the Nigerians across the states.
“The attention of the Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has been drawn to the tirade of the Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation, regarding the powering of streetlights and the renovation of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex.
“The latest rant from the campaign organisation has made it obvious that their politics has descended into desperation, distortion, and a frantic struggle for relevance.
“The people of Oyo State understand the difference between loud political noise and the steady, competent delivery of real governance, and no amount of manufactured outrage can change that,” it was stated in the release.
On the matter of streetlights, Olanrewaju declared that the Makinde administration will never apologise for keeping Oyo State illuminated and secure.
“The only reason generators are being used is because the APC‑led Federal Government, Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s party, has failed spectacularly to deliver the regular electricity supply it promised Nigerians.
“If the national grid were reliable, there would be absolutely no need for diesel‑powered generators.
“Instead of attacking the state government for providing light, Senator Alli should confront his party’s embarrassing failure in the power sector.
“Meanwhile, Oyo State is not waiting for federal excuses.
“The government has built a 5MW solar plant, which is now being upgraded to 12MW, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable, independent, and forward‑looking energy solutions.
“That is leadership, not lip service,” he stated.
The governor’s media aide also disclosed that the facts as regards the Lekan Salami Stadium, were undeniable.
He stated: “The renovation has already achieved what previous administrations could not.
“Ibadan is now hosting international matches, including the Falconets vs Senegal fixture in February 2026. This is a clear testament to the stadium’s upgraded status.
“The temporary pause in 3SC’s international matches at the stadium is simply because the government is undertaking further upgrades to meet evolving international standards.
“That is called progress, and only those threatened by progress will attempt to twist it into a negative.
“The stadium stands today as a symbol of pride, youth empowerment, and international relevance, and no amount of political bitterness can erase that,” he added.
Reacting to what he described as Senator Alli’s fixation on attacking Governor Makinde, the governor’s media aide stated that it was rooted in one painful truth: “he is still reeling from the governor’s factual statement that he is a jejune lawyer.
“This is not an insult; it is a fact, and facts tend to sting when they expose long‑standing pretence.”
He further stated that”Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, on the other hand, is a distinguished engineer with decades of hands‑on experience across multiple fields.
“His contributions to engineering are so significant that the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) awarded him its highest honour: Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
“So, when Senator Alli attempts to question Makinde’s competence, the public knows exactly who is speaking from a place of professional achievement and who is speaking from a place of political frustration.
“While some politicians specialise in shouting, this administration specialises in results.
“The ‘Seyi Makinde-led government is busy delivering real development, not chasing clout or engaging in petty political bickering.
“Oyo State will continue to move forward, with or without the approval of those who have chosen to build their politics on distortion and desperation.
“The people of Oyo State deserve progress, not propaganda, and that is exactly what this administration will continue to deliver.”
