APC Campaign in Oyo Threatens Defamation Suit Over Allegations Against APM Candidate

APC Campaign Issues Defamation Warning

In a statement released on Saturday, the media and publicity director of Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s campaign, Bisi Oladele, announced that the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign organisation would pursue legal action against Bimbo Adekanmbi, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for Oyo State governorship. The threat follows allegations made by Adekanmbi during a radio interview, accusing Alli of corruption and financial mismanagement. According to the APC faction, the allegations are fabrications designed to tarnish Alli's standing and weaken his rising popularity in the lead-up to the 2027 polls. It demanded that Adekanmbi produce a report backing her claims, warning that failure to do so could result in a defamation suit.

Background

Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the APC candidate, previously served as chairman of Ibadan North Local Government. The campaign body noted that during his time in office, he ensured timely wage disbursements and focused on staff well-being, which led to him receiving recognition from the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State. The APC statement also referenced the financial difficulties faced by local governments after the Federal Military Government’s 1993 policy on staff promotions and salary increases, noting that these challenges were nationwide and addressed through subsequent institutional interventions. Bimbo Adekanmbi, the APM candidate, has been accused by the APC group of distorting historical facts and exploiting past local government challenges for political gain. The APC team criticised the current administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, alleging it weakened local government administration and deprived residents of effective grassroots governance.

Why it Matters

The dispute reflects the intense competition between the APC and APM as they prepare for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election. Allegations of corruption and defamation can influence voter perceptions and potentially affect the political standing of the candidates. The APC campaign’s threat of legal action signals a willingness to use litigation to protect its candidate’s reputation. For voters, the claims and counter‑claims underscore the importance of scrutinising the evidence behind political accusations.

What Happens Next

The APC campaign has called on Adekanmbi to provide evidence supporting her allegations. If she fails to do so, the campaign says it will file a defamation suit. No specific dates for legal proceedings have been announced, and it remains unclear whether Adekanmbi will respond with documentation or challenge the threat in court.

The situation remains unresolved as both parties prepare for the upcoming election, with the political climate in Oyo State expected to remain highly contentious.