The campaign organisation of the Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has fired back at the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO), accusing it of displaying panic and fear through its persistent attacks on his presidential ambition and the Allied People’s Movement (APM).
The governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, stated this in a press release on Wednesday, describing SSACO’s allegation that Makinde was playing a spoiler’s game in the 2027 presidential election as misplaced and without substance.
Olanrewaju said the organisation’s repeated criticism of Makinde exposed its anxiety over his growing political influence rather than any weakness in his presidential bid.
He maintained that Makinde, the APM presidential candidate, was contesting to reset Nigeria and build a country that works for all citizens, adding that his ambition was driven by a clear national vision and a commitment to responsible leadership.
According to him, the governor’s record of constructive engagement, bridge-building and issue-driven governance contradicted suggestions that he was in the race merely to undermine another candidate.
The governor’s aide also challenged SSACO’s claim that Makinde stood no chance against the incumbent president, questioning why the organisation continued to attack a candidate it considered uncompetitive.
“If a candidate supposedly has ‘no chance,’ why does SSACO attack him at every turn?” Olanrewaju asked, arguing that the organisation’s fixation on Makinde betrayed its apprehension about his political strength.
He said SSACO had displayed a similar attitude towards Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, the APM governorship candidate in Oyo State, accusing the organisation of repeatedly targeting him out of fear rather than confidence.
Olanrewaju added that Makinde’s national engagements were focused on issues affecting Nigerians, including the need for stability, competence and clarity in governance.
He contrasted the governor’s approach with what he described as SSACO’s attempts to distract public attention through persistent political attacks.
The aide further said the support Makinde was attracting across the country reflected a presidential ambition rooted in substance and conviction, rather than political rhetoric.
He insisted that SSACO’s criticisms would neither derail Makinde’s ambition nor diminish his growing national profile, adding that the governor remained focused on communicating his vision to Nigerians.
