The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has criticised the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, over his comments on Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s My Pact manifesto, accusing him of defending the Seyi Makinde administration rather than addressing the issues raised in the document.
SSACO described Adekanmbi’s criticism as a reaction to what it called a comprehensive development plan for Oyo State, arguing that the manifesto offers solutions to challenges in local government administration, healthcare, education, agriculture and youth development.
In a statement on Wednesday, the organisation’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, said Adekanmbi’s position reflected an attempt to justify the performance of the present administration despite what it described as gaps in service delivery.
The campaign organisation said the Oyo AHEAD agenda, which forms the basis of Alli’s manifesto, was designed to address what it considers years of inadequate grassroots development and shortcomings in key sectors.
It cited alleged poor staffing of public hospitals, the state’s performance in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations, the condition of local government administration and the state of agricultural development as areas requiring urgent attention.
SSACO also questioned Adekanmbi’s argument that some of the proposals in the manifesto were not original because similar initiatives had been announced by previous administrations.
“When did healthcare, education, employment, workers’ welfare and economic development cease being priorities?” the statement asked.
The organisation challenged Adekanmbi to explain why the existence of poorly staffed primary healthcare centres should prevent a future administration from establishing better-equipped and adequately funded facilities across communities and local government areas.
It further questioned why, if previous administrations had implemented similar policies, the state continued to face challenges in healthcare delivery, education and grassroots development.
On Alli’s credentials, SSACO said his experience as a former chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Secretary to the Oyo State Government and Chief of Staff to former Governor Rashidi Ladoja had prepared him for the task of governing the state.
It also cited his current position as senator representing Oyo South, arguing that his legislative and community leadership experience gave him an understanding of the needs of residents across the district.
The campaign organisation maintained that the manifesto was based on issues affecting residents and contained proposed solutions alongside measurable targets.
“For emphasis, Senator Alli’s manifesto is a surgery for the illness inflicted on the people of Oyo State. It highlights the challenges, offers practical solutions and sets measurable targets,” the statement said.
SSACO urged voters to assess the competing political proposals on their contents and Alli’s record, expressing confidence in the APC candidate’s ability to deliver on his promises.
Kehinde Ayanboade
Kehinde Ayanboade is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Naija Metro News, with over eight years of experience covering Nigerian politics, crime, legislative proceedings and metropolitan affairs.
