The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has promised prompt payment of workers’ salaries, allowances and other entitlements if elected in 2027, criticising Governor Seyi Makinde over ongoing strikes by doctors and lecturers.
Alli said the industrial actions affecting medical and dental officers in the state’s employment and members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, reflected concerns about the handling of workers’ welfare under the present administration.
The medical officers began their strike on Monday, while LAUTECH ASUU commenced an indefinite strike on Thursday, disrupting healthcare services and academic activities.
In a statement issued by Bisi Oladele, Director of Media and Publicity of the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO), the APC candidate described the strikes as troubling, particularly amid complaints about inadequate medical personnel, poor equipment and deteriorating facilities in government-owned hospitals.
Alli questioned why disputes over allowances and the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement had been allowed to escalate into industrial action, despite the state government’s repeated assurances about workers’ welfare.
The campaign organisation said the demands of the Association of Medical and Dental Officers (AMDO) included payment of outstanding allowances and restoration of the salaries of medical personnel transferred from field assignments to the Ministry of Health.
It also cited demands by LAUTECH ASUU for the implementation of the federal government’s agreement with ASUU, payment of outstanding entitlements, including promotion arrears, and provision of adequate facilities.
Alli warned that the withdrawal of services by doctors and dental officers could further strain public healthcare, particularly for residents who depend on government hospitals for treatment.
He said the impact would be felt most by vulnerable residents, including pregnant women, children, pensioners and low-income families who may be unable to afford private medical care.
The APC candidate also criticised Makinde for allegedly prioritising political activities outside the state while the strikes continued.
The statement accused the governor of neglecting pressing challenges in the healthcare and education sectors in pursuit of his reported presidential ambition.
“It is the height of misplaced priorities for a governor who endlessly trumpets his commitment to workers’ welfare,” the statement said, arguing that Oyo State needed leadership focused on governance and the immediate needs of residents.
The campaign organisation, however, appealed to the striking medical personnel and lecturers to remain open to meaningful dialogue, while acknowledging their right to pursue legitimate employment demands through lawful means.
It also called for immediate contingency arrangements to protect patients requiring emergency and life-saving treatment during the industrial action.
Alli pledged that his administration, if elected, would prioritise prompt payment of salaries and allowances, engagement with healthcare professionals and investment in modern equipment and essential facilities in public hospitals.
He also promised to place workers’ welfare, education and the wellbeing of residents at the centre of his administration.
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.
