Oyo guber: Alli’s fried-fish display, political theatre — APM

Allied People’s Movement (APM) in Oyo has criticised Senator Sharafadeen Alli over his recent roadside fried-fish outing, describing it as “political theatrics” aimed at portraying him as a grassroots politician ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The party, however, declared that its governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, remained committed to genuine engagement with the people, insisting that humility and accessibility should be demonstrated through consistent service rather than occasional public displays.

The Co-Director (Media and Publicity) of the Oyo State APM Governorship Campaign Council, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, stated this in a press release, arguing that the electorate was politically mature enough to distinguish between genuine concern for the people and activities designed to attract attention during an election season.

ALSO READ: I have no regrets working with APC to defeat PDP in Edo — Wike

Olanrewaju described Alli’s roadside fried-fish outing as an attempt to manufacture an image of humility, alleging that the senator’s previous lifestyle did not reflect the simplicity he was now projecting.

“The roadside fried-fish show was a desperate attempt to manufacture humility he has never practised,” he said.

According to him, genuine grassroots politics goes beyond staged encounters with ordinary citizens, adding that leaders must demonstrate sincerity, accessibility and commitment to public service consistently.

“This is not grassroots connection; it is a staged performance designed to deceive,” he stated.

The APM spokesman argued that political leaders should not adopt a different public image merely because an election was approaching, stressing that voters were increasingly concerned about the character, competence and records of those seeking public office.

“Leadership is not a costume worn when cameras are present. It is a consistent demonstration of sincerity, service and connection with the people,” Olanrewaju said.

He added, “A man who only discovers roadside fried fish when political ambition begins to burn hotter is not showing humility; he is mocking the intelligence of the electorate.”

Olanrewaju also alleged that some wealthy individuals associated with Alli were moving around the state in an attempt to attract political support through cash inducements.

He described the alleged practice as an attempt to influence voters, insisting that Oyo State had moved beyond politics driven by immediate financial benefits.

“This is not strategy; it is desperation. And it will fail. Oyo State has evolved beyond the politics of stomach infrastructure and inducement,” he said.

The APM spokesman maintained that voters were more interested in candidates’ policy proposals, leadership capacity and plans for addressing the state’s challenges than in political spectacles.

He challenged Alli to explain his vision for Oyo State and outline the policies he would pursue if elected governor.

“Instead of indulging in distractions, Senator Alli should tell the people of Oyo State what he actually intends to do for them. What is his plan? What is his vision? What solutions does he bring to the table?” he asked.

Olanrewaju said the electorate deserved clear answers on governance, development and service delivery rather than activities he described as publicity stunts.

He subsequently presented Adekanmbi as an alternative, arguing that the APM candidate’s approach to politics was rooted in community engagement and personal interaction with residents.

“Bimbo Adekanmbi is the epitome of humility, not the staged kind, not the camera-ready kind, but the natural, effortless humility that comes from genuine connection with the people,” he said.

According to him, Adekanmbi does not need public displays to demonstrate his closeness to the people, as his engagement with communities and willingness to listen to their concerns are central to his political approach.

“Adekanmbi does not need a roadside show to prove he is close to the masses; he lives it, he breathes it, and the people see it every day,” Olanrewaju stated.

He added that the APM candidate was focused on building relationships with communities through consultations, listening to residents and addressing issues affecting them.

“His humility is not a performance; it is a character. His engagement is not a stunt; it is a lifestyle,” he said.

The APM spokesman expressed confidence that voters would assess the contenders based on their records, character and proposed programmes rather than campaign appearances or financial inducements.

He maintained that the state needed leadership anchored in substance, sincerity and a clear development agenda.

“Oyo State deserves leaders who face the people with substance, not spectacle; with sincerity, not staged humility; with purpose, not desperation,” Olanrewaju said.

He concluded that although political displays might generate public attention, they could not replace the policies and commitment required to move the state forward.