2027: Alli’s camp in panic over my presidential ambition — Makinde

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has accused the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) of being in panic mode over his presidential ambition, describing its allegation that he is playing a spoiler’s game as baseless and misguided.

Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), said SSACO’s persistent criticism of his ambition reflects apprehension rather than confidence in the political strength of the incumbent president.

The governor’s position was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

Reacting to SSACO’s allegation, Olanrewaju said the organisation’s claims reveal more about its fears than the governor’s political intentions.

“The allegation by the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) that Governor Seyi Makinde is attempting to play a spoiler’s game is as misplaced as it is misguided,” he said.

He added that the allegation was “an assertion without substance, crafted in haste and sustained only by a wonky imagination.”

Olanrewaju accused SSACO of engaging in unfounded commentary aimed at distorting national political discussions, arguing that its repeated attacks on Makinde have become a predictable pattern driven by insecurity.

He maintained that Makinde is pursuing the presidency with a clear agenda to reposition the country and provide responsible leadership for Nigerians.

“Governor Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), is in the race to reset Nigeria and help build a country that works for all citizens,” the statement said.

According to him, the governor’s record of constructive engagement, bridge-building, and issue-driven governance contradicts the suggestion that he is contesting merely to undermine another candidate.

“The suggestion that a candidate with such a track record would abandon serious national aspirations to ‘play spoiler’ is not only illogical, it is a deliberate mischaracterisation,” he added.

The governor’s aide also challenged SSACO’s claim that Makinde stands no chance against the incumbent president, questioning why the organisation continues to focus on his candidacy if it considers him politically insignificant.

“If a candidate supposedly has ‘no chance,’ why does SSACO attack him at every turn?” he asked.

He argued that the organisation’s repeated criticism of Makinde demonstrates its concern about the governor’s growing political influence.

Olanrewaju also accused SSACO of displaying similar apprehension towards Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, the APM governorship candidate in Oyo State, over his political activities and ambitions.

“SSACO’s constant jabs at him do not reflect confidence; they reflect apprehension. Its behaviour is not that of people who feel secure; it is the behaviour of people who feel threatened,” he said.

On Makinde’s national engagements, the media aide said the governor’s discussions with Nigerians across different regions are focused on issues of national importance, including stability, competence, and effective leadership.

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He contrasted this with what he described as SSACO’s attempts to distract attention from substantive political conversations.

“Governor Makinde’s engagement at the national level is grounded in issues, not political rhetoric,” he said.

Olanrewaju further noted that the governor continues to attract support across the country, insisting that his presidential ambition is driven by conviction and a clearly defined national vision.

He said the campaign will remain focused on engaging Nigerians rather than responding to what he described as politically motivated attacks.

“While SSACO exhausts itself manufacturing distractions, Makinde’s momentum remains untouched,” he said.

“Its frantic commentary cannot slow him, its contrived alarms cannot shake him, and its theatrics cannot obscure the fact that his message is gaining clarity on a daily basis.”