The political contest ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election has taken a sharper turn following a fresh allegation by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, against Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli over his record as chairman of Ibadan North Local Government.
Speaking during an interview on Fresh FM, Adekanmbi launched a strong criticism of Alli’s previous administration at the local government, questioning his suitability to seek the governorship of Oyo State based on what he described as his record in office.
According to Adekanmbi, “Oba Sharafadeen Alli looted Ibadan North LG to the ground when he was the chairman. He had the worst record in the LG, owed salaries, and even arrested primary school teachers who protested.”
The allegation comes as both politicians emerge as prominent figures in the unfolding political contest ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Adekanmbi Questions Alli’s Record
Adekanmbi’s criticism centred on the senator’s tenure as chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, where Alli served as the first elected executive chairman of the council between December 1991 and November 1993.
The APM candidate argued that Alli’s past record should be subjected to public scrutiny, particularly as the senator is now positioning himself for the highest political office in Oyo State.
Adekanmbi reportedly challenged Alli to explain how he managed the local government during his tenure and questioned what his administration achieved for residents.
He also linked the issue to the broader debate over local government autonomy, challenging Alli to demonstrate what he achieved when he previously had responsibility for administering a local government.
“How Did You Lead Ibadan North?”
The controversy has also generated reactions online, with a number of posts circulating excerpts from the Fresh FM interview. One widely shared post quoted Adekanmbi as saying: “I challenge Sharafadeen Alli to answer and tell us how he led Ibadan North LGA with local government autonomy.”
The comments are particularly significant because local government administration has become an important political issue in Nigeria, with debates increasingly focusing on financial independence, accountability and the ability of councils to deliver services directly to residents.
Adekanmbi’s argument, therefore, appears to be that Alli’s previous experience at the local-government level should be part of the conversation about his capacity to govern Oyo State.
From Local Government Chairman to Senatorial Candidate
Alli has since built a lengthy political career beyond Ibadan North. Public records identify him as a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government and former Chief of Staff, while he later served as chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited. He currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
He won the Oyo South senatorial election in 2023, securing 111,513 votes, and has subsequently held leadership responsibilities in Senate committees.
In 2026, Alli also emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, placing him directly in the political spotlight ahead of the poll.
Allegations Await Further Evidence
Adekanmbi’s statements remain allegations made during a political interview and should not be interpreted as established findings of financial wrongdoing or criminal conduct.
The claims that Alli “looted” the local government, owed salaries or caused the arrest of protesting primary school teachers would require documentary evidence, official records or responses from the former chairman and other relevant authorities to independently establish.
What is clear, however, is that the remarks have introduced another potentially contentious issue into the emerging 2027 Oyo governorship battle: whether the past administrative records of the leading candidates should determine their suitability to lead the state.
With political activities already intensifying, Adekanmbi’s Fresh FM appearance is likely to fuel further debate over the records, achievements and controversies surrounding the major contenders for Oyo State’s top political seat.
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