The Oyo State Government has described as false an allegation by the Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation claiming that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde and Honourable Bimbo Adekanmbi are behind thuggery in the state.
APC thuggery allegation unfounded -Oyo Govt
It described the allegation as false, irresponsible, “and directly contradicted by eyewitness accounts, which confirmed that the incidents being politicised arose from an internal dispute within the APC involving aggrieved members of the party.”
The state government stated in a release by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, that any attempt “to recast an intra-party conflict as government sponsored violence is a deliberate distortion of the truth.”
It stated that residents will recall that, since Governor Makinde assumed office in 2019, Oyo State has witnessed a sustained decline in political thuggery and violent disruptions.
“This progress is the result of intentional and consistent policies: strengthening and professionalising Amotekun, expanding joint security patrols across all zones, investing in modern surveillance and response equipment, and maintaining close coordination with federal security agencies.
“The administration’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability makes the allegation not only untrue but entirely illogical.
“Furthermore, Governor Makinde’s administration enjoys broad public support across the state.
“A popular government has no reason or incentive to disrupt any opposition campaign. His focus remains firmly on governance, not political confrontation.
“Eyewitness accounts are clear: the individuals who attacked Alhaja Alli, Remi Oseni, and Hon. Funke Olunloyo-Osinowo were APC members caught in the middle of their party’s internal disagreements.
“These were cases of intra party crisis, not government sponsored incidents,” it was stated in the release.
The government added that efforts to shift responsibility to Governor Makinde or Hon. Adekanmbi amount to politicising a matter already traced to the APC inability to manage its internal tensions.
“At a time when the government is working diligently to maintain calm across the state, it is disingenuous and dangerous for any political organisation to circulate unfounded claims about security matters.
“Such statements heighten tension, mislead the public, undermine the work of security agencies, and ultimately endanger the lives of Oyo State citizens.
“Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, a technocrat with a long-standing reputation for professionalism and lawfulness, has no link whatsoever to political violence.
“He is a very popular candidate loved by the people of Oyo State. So, there is no basis for him to attack anyone. Associating him with thuggery is unethical and inconsistent with his character and public record.
“Governor Makinde remains focused on safeguarding lives and property, ensuring stability across all communities, promoting responsible political engagement, and driving development that benefits every resident of Oyo State.
“His administration will not be distracted by manufactured controversies or reckless attempts to mislead the public.
“The allegation is false, reckless, and rejected in its entirety. The violence witnessed within the APC camp stems from internal conflicts within the party, not from any action by Governor Makinde or Hon. Adekanmbi.
“Oyo State remains committed to peace, stability, and responsible governance.
As a sinking party, the APC would want to exploit any narrative that appears politically-advantageous, but the party must recognise that the people of Oyo State remain resolute in their support for Governor Makinde and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) governorship candidate, Honourable Bimbo Adekanmbi.
“No political gymnastics or theatrics will alter that reality,” it was stated in the release.
The Oyo State Government, therefore, urged APC to manage its internal crisis, which it claimed emanated from the leadership division within the party.
The state government further advised the APC to spare the people of Oyo State the unwarranted violence and thuggery arising from such avoidable acts of violence and thuggery.
