Oyo APC defends Alli, questions Makinde’s record

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, on Saturday, questioned the engineering credentials of Governor Seyi Makinde, alleging that he had spent over N250bn to power streetlights in the state with diesel-powered generators.

The organisation also explained the legal practice credentials of Senator Alli, following Makinde’s statement on Friday in a now viral video in which he described Alli as a lawyer who had never entered the courtroom.

The campaign organisation, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, said Makinde’s comments showed his “ignorance” and “bitterness” over the prospect of Alli succeeding him as governor in 2027.

It said, “Makinde only advertised his ignorance and demonstrated his bitterness with the fact that Alli will be the choice of Oyo people to succeed him in 2027.

“Alli began his law practice as a corps member in 1987 with A. E. Enumah & Associates in Nnewi, Anambra State, where he was retained for his brilliant performance as a young lawyer but was forced to return to Ibadan by his parents, who preferred to have him around in South-West Nigeria.

“Contrary to Makinde’s ignorant assertion, Alli is not a portfolio lawyer. He is a thoroughbred legal practitioner. After his practice in Nnewi, Senator Alli practised with R. A. Sarumi & Co. Solicitors, Advocates & Notary Public, one of the most respected law firms in the old Western Region, until 1991, when he was elected as the first executive chairman of Ibadan North Local Government.

“Alli established his own law firm, Biodun Alli & Co., in Ibadan in 1994, offering services as barristers, solicitors, company secretaries, practitioners and auctioneers. He is the principal partner in the law firm to date. In his experience of law practice, Senator Alli has handled high-profile briefs, conveyancing and corporate practice for years before answering the higher call to public service.

“This is public record, verifiable at the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan Branch, and at the Corporate Affairs Commission. Makinde could have done a simple check if governance had not been reduced to roadside talk.

“On his credential as an engineer, it is a tragic irony that Governor Makinde, who studied electrical engineering, cannot devise a sustainable electricity solution for the streetlights installed and maintained with about N400bn of state funds.

“Instead, the administration continues to power them with fuel-guzzling generators—an outdated, expensive and environmentally harmful arrangement funded from the public purse.

“At a time when modern cities are embracing solar-powered and energy-efficient streetlighting systems, Oyo State remains trapped in the age of diesel generators under the supervision of an electrical engineer. It is more embarrassingly illogical given the fact that his predecessor undertook the same project, adopting a solar system.

“If not for the prime purpose of enriching self, cronies and deliberately wasting Oyo State funds, why will Governor Makinde destroy the solar infrastructure and electric poles used to provide street lighting by his predecessor instead of repairing and upgrading them? To worsen the case, Makinde’s streetlight project has become dysfunctional, as load-shedding has become the only way the project operates.

“This raises serious questions about the governor’s competence, priorities and commitment to prudent management of taxpayers’ money. Should we judge Governor Makinde’s claim as an electrical engineer by his streetlight project, the answer is obvious to all.

“Equally disturbing is the reported failure of the renovated Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, to secure CAF approval for Shooting Stars Sports Club to host a continental fixture.

“After committing over N5bn to the stadium renovation project, followed by great fanfare in 2021, the facility could not satisfy the requirements for the very international matches expected of a major sporting arena.

“What, then, did Governor Makinde renovate? Who certified the work, and why should Shooting Stars be forced to seek an alternative venue in Abeokuta, Ogun State, after Oyo taxpayers had financed the reconstruction of their traditional home ground?

“The situation represents more than an administrative lapse. It is an embarrassment to Shooting Stars, their supporters and the entire people of Oyo, and a disgrace to the Makinde-led administration. A stadium renovation that cannot meet the standards required for continental football is another monument to the Makinde administration’s preference for publicity over quality and durable results.

“From streetlights powered with generators to a refurbished stadium unsuitable for continental football, the evidence points to a government that spends heavily but delivers poorly.

“The people of Oyo deserve infrastructure that works, projects that provide value for money and a government capable of planning beyond ceremonies, billboards and political propaganda.

“Oyo must move away from expensive improvisation and cosmetic governance that have become the order of the day under Makinde.

“Public projects must be designed and executed to serve the people—not merely to provide opportunities for political showmanship,” the statement said.

The campaign organisation added that nothing buttressed the fact that Alli had been “living rent-free in Makinde’s mind” more than the governor using every speaking opportunity to mention and bring the APC governorship candidate into his address.