Get Guardian on GoogleGbolarunmi banks on experience, grassroots support to defeat Alli, Adekanmbi
The Director of Strategy and Communications of the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation, Kehinde Olaosebikan, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate stands a better chance of defeating Bimbo Adekanmbi, candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), in the February 6, 2027 Oyo State governorship election.
But in a swift response, Governor Seyi Makinde’s Special Assistant on Print Media, Moses Alao, dismissed the APC camp’s claims, insisting that Adekanmbi would win the election and sustain the legacies of the outgoing administration.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hazeem Gbolarunmi, expressed confidence in his chances, saying that his experience as a former deputy governor and cordial relationship with traditional rulers across the state placed him at an advantage over his opponents.
Olaosebikan, who hinged Alli’s electoral prospects on his political experience, grassroots connections and the support of influential political figures who contributed to Makinde’s emergence and re-election in 2019 and 2023, said that the history of governorship elections in Oyo State showed that political alliances and coalitions often played decisive roles in determining electoral outcomes.
According to him, some of those influential figures have since joined the APC and are expected to deploy their political networks in support of Alli.
He also identified the defection of former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olajumoke Akinjide, to the APC as another development that could strengthen the party’s chances.
He also accused the Makinde administration of attracting public dissatisfaction over the management of public assets and infrastructure, and over its relationship with political stakeholders.
However, Alao rejected the suggestion that the defection of some political figures had weakened Makinde’s political base, saying that the governor’s electoral strength had always rested more on ordinary residents than elite alliances.
He maintained that the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education and healthcare had strengthened public support for Makinde’s political camp and would give Adekanmbi an advantage in the succession contest.
Alao also dismissed the suggestion that Adekanmbi was personally imposed on the party by Makinde, saying the candidate emerged through consultations and internal party processes.
Gbolarunmi, on his part, expressed confidence that his political experience and relationship with traditional rulers across Oyo State would strengthen his chances at the polls.
He also maintained that the PDP remained the strongest grassroots political platform in the state, expressing optimism that its structures and support base would translate into electoral victory.
MEANWHILE, the APC and the APM in Oyo State have traded accusations over alleged political violence, intimidation of supporters and destruction of campaign billboards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation had raised the alarm over an alleged plot to attack APC members and supporters of the party’s governorship candidate, accusing Makinde and Adekanmbi of sponsoring political intimidation.
In a statement yesterday, signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, the campaign organisation said it had received intelligence of planned attacks targeting members of the Park Management System (PMS), particularly those supporting the APC.
It alleged that the planned attacks were intended to intimidate opposition supporters and weaken the party’s support base ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, the APM dismissed the allegations, describing them as another attempt by the APC and its campaign organisation to distract residents from governance issues.
In a statement dated November 8, 2026, and signed by its Director of Communication and Spokesperson, Yinka Oladoyinbo, the party said the allegations demonstrated that the APC and its candidate lacked the capacity to lead Oyo State.
