The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has accused the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, of attacking Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s manifesto to shield Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration from criticism over its alleged failures in Oyo State.
SSACO said Adekanmbi’s criticism of Alli’s Oyo AHEAD manifesto was driven by frustration over what it described as a superior development blueprint capable of addressing the state’s challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture, youth development and grassroots governance.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, the organisation said Adekanmbi was desperate to defend the Makinde administration despite what it described as its poor performance in critical sectors.
The campaign organisation alleged that Oyo State had the highest number of out-of-school children in the Southwest, while several hospitals lacked doctors and government-funded agricultural projects had failed to deliver on their promises.
It also accused the administration of failing to demonstrate a credible record in youth development after seven years in office, insisting that Alli’s manifesto offered practical solutions to the problems.
SSACO faulted Adekanmbi’s argument that the manifesto lacked originality because previous administrations had announced similar policies, describing the position as intellectually disingenuous.
It argued that healthcare, education, employment, workers’ welfare and economic development remained essential priorities, irrespective of whether previous governments had introduced similar initiatives.
The organisation maintained that Alli’s manifesto was backed by his experience in public administration, legislative service and community leadership, citing his previous positions as Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff to former Governor Rashidi Ladoja.
It added that his representation of Oyo South Senatorial District had strengthened his relationship with constituents and demonstrated his understanding of their needs.
Describing the Oyo AHEAD manifesto as a solution to the state’s problems, SSACO said it identified existing challenges, proposed practical interventions and established measurable targets.
The organisation also challenged Adekanmbi to explain why the shortcomings of existing primary healthcare centres should prevent a future administration from establishing better-equipped, adequately staffed and properly funded facilities across communities.
It further questioned the state’s performance in education, healthcare and grassroots administration, citing its alleged 27th position in WAEC performance and the inability of local governments to adequately address community needs.
SSACO urged voters to support Alli, whom it described as an experienced and trusted leader capable of delivering purposeful leadership and development across Oyo State.
