Group Alleges Makinde Spent N4bn Oyo funds on APM Leaders, Campaign Vehicles

A group known as the Save Oyo Movement, SOM, has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of allegedly spending more than N4 billion in state funds on the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, and the purchase of vehicles for political activities.

The group made the allegation in a statement issued on Sunday by its Coordinator, Comrade Akeem Oladiti, while reacting to the APM’s call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of Makinde, who is the party’s presidential candidate.

SOM dismissed the APM’s position, alleging that the party’s presidential campaign was not being pursued as a serious political project but was being used for other political interests.

The group claimed that Governor Makinde had, over the past six months, been releasing about N250 million every month for the running of the APM. It alleged that the money was being used to cover the salaries, allowances and other expenses of party officials.

SOM further alleged that the governor had purchased more than 30 Hilux vehicles for distribution to APM state coordinators as part of preparations for the party’s political activities.

According to the group, some of the vehicles were initially kept at Makinde’s campaign office in Abuja before they were later moved to locations it said were unknown.

The organisation called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the finances of Oyo State and examine its allegations concerning the use of public funds for political activities.

SOM said the alleged monthly payments to the APM had raised concerns about the management of state resources, particularly as the 2027 election approaches.

The group also linked the APM’s recent demand for Tinubu to give way to Makinde to what it described as an attempt to justify the alleged financial support being given to the party.

It further claimed that the alleged spending would come under greater scrutiny as the 2027 political season progresses, while Makinde would eventually have to leave office at the end of his tenure as governor.

The allegations by SOM have not been independently established, and the group did not provide documentary evidence in the statement to support its claims about the alleged monthly payments or vehicle purchases.