The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has criticised Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, over his comments on the state’s increased allocation from the Federation Account and the continued problem of hunger.
The campaign organisation made the criticism in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, following Makinde’s remarks at an APM North-Central town hall meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Monday. Makinde had acknowledged that states were receiving more money from the Federation Account but questioned whether the increase had helped to reduce hunger.
The organisation described Makinde’s position as evidence of what it called poor governance in Oyo State, arguing that increased federal allocations should come with better management of available resources.
According to the campaign group, Makinde’s admission that Oyo State now receives more money from the Federation Account also showed the effect of the economic reforms introduced by the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu.
The group questioned why the governor would raise concerns about increased allocations without taking responsibility for using the funds available to the state to address the needs of residents.
It asked why Oyo State would require additional assistance from the Federal Government to tackle hunger after the governor had acknowledged that the state was receiving more funds from the Federation Account.
The campaign organisation also accused Makinde of resisting local government autonomy in the state. It alleged that the governor had prevented the councils from operating independently and had continued to control both state and local government resources.
The group argued that functional local governments would allow more resources to reach communities and improve services at the grassroots.
It further criticised Makinde’s record in office and said the people of Oyo State should decide whether his administration should continue beyond 2027.
The organisation also linked the issue to the 2027 elections, saying it would mobilise support for Alli and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.
It maintained that voters would have the opportunity to assess the performance of the present administration when they go to the polls on February 6, 2027.
Makinde, who is also the APM presidential candidate, had used the Lafia meeting to question whether the increase in funds available to state governments had translated into improved living conditions. He also said Oyo State’s dependence on federal allocation had fallen after he assumed office but later increased again following changes in the country’s fiscal situation.
The latest exchange adds to the political disagreements between the Oyo governor and his opponents as parties and candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.