The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has accused Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of using his presidential ambition as a ploy to create an avenue to leave the country and evade alleged corruption cases and other allegations of abuse of office.

The party made the allegation in a statement issued on Sunday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare.

The APC also faulted the reported declaration of Monday, September 21, as a public holiday in the state, alleging that the decision was intended to promote a musical concert organised in Ibadan.

It described the development as an alleged abuse of office and accused the governor of deploying state resources to political activities.

The party said Makinde’s reported presidential ambition had generated questions among political observers, particularly regarding his choice of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) as the platform for the 2027 election.

It alleged that the governor’s presidential project lacked a clear strategy and seriousness, while questioning the capacity of the APM to provide a viable platform for a presidential contest.

Sadare said, “Makinde is only out to hoodwink Nigerians, distract the anti-graft agencies which are on his cases and also secure an escape route from the country anytime from January 1, 2027.”

The APC spokesman further alleged that security agencies were already monitoring the situation and that Makinde would be required to answer questions over what it described as alleged infractions committed since his assumption of office in 2019.

The party listed allegations including false asset declaration, diversion of local government funds, variation of contract sums, money laundering, land grabbing, sponsorship of violence, illegal sale of government properties, fraudulent loans, contempt of court and disobedience to court orders.

The allegations contained in the statement were not independently established in the material provided by the party.

The APC also criticised Makinde’s movement from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APM, alleging that he had taken over the smaller party’s presidential ticket.

It also cited the APM’s performance in recent by-elections as evidence of what it described as the party’s limited national spread.

“How then can Makinde contest and win presidential election in the country under the unpopular political party?” the party queried.

Makinde is serving his second and final term as governor of Oyo State.