Do you know that the forthcoming Oyo gubernatorial election is one of the few elections whose outcome many Nigerians are eager to see?
In fact, Oyo State politics has become a national debate over the last few months. Several issues among the state’s political gladiators remain unresolved, and there are also various internal party disputes to watch. Currently, the state has about three or more strong political parties, including the APM which is Governor Seyi Makinde’s adopted party, following the collapse of the Peoples Democratic Party.
While enjoying the governor’s backing, Adekanmbi has actively projected political independence with his own distinct manifesto and strategy, aiming to appeal to voters looking for professional capacity without heavy political baggage. The Oyo State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is helping Bimbo Adekanmbi, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate for 2027, by officially declaring its full support and endorsement for his campaign. Community leaders are calling for greater political and electoral participation among Igbo residents in Oyo State to strengthen the APM campaign. The support aligns with Adekanmbi’s campaign focus on inclusive governance, ensuring that non-indigenes and diverse communities across the state feel represented and valued. The group is pushing for peaceful coexistence, unity, and active involvement in the ongoing 2027 political process.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Oyo State chapter announced its support during a major meeting with Igbo community leaders and stakeholders across the state. These Igbo communities have a strong tie with Governor Seyi Makinde’s government for inclusiveness and also because of the relationship with Speaker Adebo, who has built a robust relationship with them over the years. Currently, there are millions of Igbo settlers in the state who are ready to support the current Oyo government with their votes. Another noticeable factor is that he (Senator Alli) has been described as Senator Billboard because it has been established that he does not maintain his political structure not only in Oyo but within his constituency. However, the nickname “Senator Billboard” (or “Senator Billboards”) was given to him by political critics and opposition groups who claim that his presence in his constituency is mostly felt through large promotional signage rather than tangible legislative impact.
There are people who argue that he is a poor-performing lawmaker whose most recognizable achievements are the billboards erected across Ibadan and Oyo South during festive seasons or campaign cycles. Local critics often compare his outreach to that of other South-West politicians. For instance, public discourse sometimes unfavorably contrasts his constituency projects with the multibillion-naira, highly publicized empowerment programs of lawmakers like Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), who is now the APC gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State. Additionally, constituents and civil society groups have openly criticized him for a lack of large-scale constituency projects or direct empowerment initiatives. For example, critics have unfavorably compared his record to those of other South-West APC lawmakers, noting that locals feel disconnected from his 3 years in the Senate.
Another point is that his unpopular image within his own party risks triggering party implosion, voter apathy among grassroots party loyalists, or a fragmented campaign front. If core party members feel sidelined, they may not mobilize effectively at the ward and community levels. Also, the political theory linking Chief Adebayo Adelabu’s actions to the “Omisore game plan” refers to a classic Nigerian political strategy: anti-party activity, proxy warfare, and structural sabotage from within. In South-West politics, the “Omisore game plan” draws a parallel to Senator Iyiola Omisore’s historical maneuver in Osun State, where an aggrieved leader maintains surface-level party loyalty while using external proxies or tactical silence to deflate the party’s official candidate from within.
If Adelabu adopts this subtle blueprint in Oyo State, it could severely damage Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s prospects for the 2027 governorship election through several deliberate dynamics. Even though Adelabu has officially distanced himself from these defections and issued statements declaring his loyalty to the APC, the exit of his grassroots machinery fractures the unified front Alli needs. It starves Alli of critical, passionate campaign mobilizers in key battlegrounds like Ibadan. If Adelabu implements the Omisore game plan, he will attend high-level party meetings, pose for unity photographs, and verbally support the party. However, his deep financial resources, campaign vehicles, and media assets will remain locked away or quietly directed elsewhere. Additionally, Alli will be left to fund a massive statewide gubernatorial machinery largely on his own or through a smaller pool of stakeholders. Facing a highly entrenched ruling party in Oyo State, any lack of robust, multi-factional funding will paralyze Alli’s ability to match the opposition’s campaign footprint.
By publicly stepping back while privately keeping his structure disgruntled, Adelabu’s “Omisore game plan” creates a hollow shell of unity. It allows him to remain a “loyal party man” on paper while effectively denying Sharafadeen Alli the absolute, unfiltered internal solidarity required to unseat the ruling political establishment in Oyo.
Some APC leaders are not particularly happy because they feel they are not getting enough from their gubernatorial candidate.
Nigeria’s political machinery relies heavily on a patronage system in which leaders expect financial mobilization to maintain loyalty, sustain local party structures, and fund grassroots operations. If a candidate is perceived as tightfisted, party leaders feel starved of the resources required to run effective campaigns and secure their loyalty.
These are some of the factors that may affect Oyo State APC gubernatorial candidate Senator Alli Sarafadeen in the forthcoming election if they are not addressed in time.
Isaac Abimbade
08155107955
