Team Arapaja, a political group loyal to former Oyo State Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja, has challenged the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, to address allegations surrounding his record in public office, including claims involving ₦30 billion in local government funds.
The group also questioned Adekanmbi’s political loyalty and called on voters to scrutinise his record as a former Commissioner for Finance and Acting Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue before accepting his claims against other political figures.
Your outburst politically motivated – Team Arapaja
In a statement signed by Comrade Ibrahim Sheriff, Team Arapaja described Adekanmbi’s recent comments as politically motivated and urged residents of Oyo State to demand evidence for his allegations ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The group was reacting to Adekanmbi’s recent appearance on Fresh FM, during which he reportedly accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, of misappropriating funds while serving as chairman of Ibadan North Local Government. Adekanmbi also claimed to possess evidence against the senator.
Team Arapaja questioned why Adekanmbi had not presented the alleged evidence earlier, citing Alli’s previous electoral contests, including the 1996 senatorial election under the United Nigeria People’s Party (UNPP) and his victory in the 2023 Oyo South Senatorial District election.
The group also accused Adekanmbi of failing to adequately address allegations linked to his time as Commissioner for Finance under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, including claims involving ₦30 billion in local government funds. These remain allegations raised by the group.
It further alleged that staff experienced humiliation and mistreatment during Adekanmbi’s time in public office, calling on him to respond to questions about his administrative record.
The statement drew a comparison between Adekanmbi’s allegations against Alli and claims made by Governor Seyi Makinde against former APC governorship candidate Teslim Folarin during the 2023 election campaign. Team Arapaja argued that politicians should not make serious accusations without providing verifiable evidence.
The group also questioned Adekanmbi’s relationship with Makinde, alleging that he had associated with the governor for nearly seven years after the death of Ajimobi, his former political benefactor.
Team Arapaja claimed the political shift was intended to shield Adekanmbi from scrutiny over the previous administration, but did not provide evidence to establish that motive.
It also challenged him to respond to an allegation that he disclosed information about properties belonging to the Ajimobi family to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“He who comes to equity must come with clean hands,” the group said, questioning whether Adekanmbi’s past political relationships and public service record should influence voters’ assessment of his suitability for office.
The group maintained that voters should assess candidates based on their records, integrity and competence rather than campaign promises, and urged Adekanmbi to respond to the allegations with facts.
The claims made by Team Arapaja were not independently established in the statement, and Adekanmbi’s response was not included.
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.
