The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Governor ‘Seyi Makinde over the use of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, for a political rally organised by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

The party described the rally as insensitive, particularly against the backdrop of the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s reported rejection of the stadium for continental matches.

In a statement issued on Monday and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, also alleged that the rally demonstrated what the party described as the Makinde administration’s poor handling of public funds.

The APM had mobilised members and supporters from the 33 local government areas of the state for the rally at the stadium.

Sadare questioned the use of the facility for a political event at a time when concerns had been raised over its suitability to host international football matches.

“At a time questions were being asked on what Governor Makinde did on Adamasingba Stadium to justify the whopping N5.5 billion cost of rehabilitation in view of the fact that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently rejected the facility for its matches, the same stadium was turned into a campaign ground where APM members converged to enjoy Fuji music,” he said.

The APC spokesman also linked the development to the recent elimination of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) from the CAF Confederation Cup.

He alleged that the club’s first-leg match against Tunisian side, CS Sfaxien, was played in Abeokuta, Ogun State, rather than Ibadan, following concerns over the condition of the Adamasingba facility.

Sadare further alleged that the state government had failed to address concerns raised over the rehabilitation of the stadium.

“Rather than refund the N5.5b misappropriated in the name of Adamasingba Stadium rehabilitation and re-award the project to a competent contractor in a transparent manner, Governor Makinde continued to rub insults on the injury of the people,” he said.

The APC also alleged that some markets in Ibadan were shut and that traders, commercial transport operators and other residents were pressured to attend the political rally.

It claimed that the rally involved substantial expenditure from the state treasury, but did not provide details or evidence of the alleged cost.

The party called for greater accountability in the management of public funds and the rehabilitation of public infrastructure in the state.