IBADAN — The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has dismissed reports that he and members of his entourage were stoned during recent political consultations in Igbeti and Kishi, describing the claim as the “figment of the imagination” of those behind it.
Alli, who spoke on Sunday at an APC stakeholders’ meeting and press conference, said he and his running mate received massive and warm support during consultations across Oyo North, particularly in Igbeti and Kishi.
According to him, contrary to reports in some sections of the media, there was no incident of violence or any untoward development during the visits.
“I want to use this opportunity to tell the whole world that we were received warmly, loudly, in all the places where we went and there was nowhere where anything untoward happened, not to talk of getting stoned, as has been said or carried in some sections of the media,” he said.
The senator said the crowd that welcomed his team in Igbeti and Kishi was massive, adding that the reception in Kishi surpassed what the party experienced during the 2023 electioneering period.
“The crowd that received us in Igbeti and Kishi was so massive. When we got to Kishi, it was already getting dark, and the crowd was so massive that the crowd we met at Yoyi, at the boundary, was much more than what we had there in 2023,” he said.
Alli maintained that the alleged stoning was unfounded, insisting that the reception his team received was evidence of the growing acceptance and support for the APC in the area.
He said the Kishi Town Hall was filled to capacity when the delegation arrived at about 8 p.m.
“For anybody to now come up with the idea of saying that we were stoned, it is the figment of their own imagination. We were warmly received, and on getting to the hall at 8 p.m., when we got to the town hall, it was filled to the brim,” Alli said.
The APC governorship candidate urged party leaders, aspirants and members to remain united and sustain the momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He appealed to those who contested the party’s nomination processes to put aside their differences and join hands in working towards the party’s victory.
“I want to implore all of you, let’s all be on board. Let’s ensure that we get to power. It is for us. The coming government is for us,” he said.
“I want to plead with you, let’s keep the tempo at which we are moving right now. I want to assure you, on my behalf and that of our deputy, the tempo, we are going to keep it on.”
Alli also thanked APC leaders, aspirants and candidates in Olorunsogo, Irepo and Ogbomoso local government areas for their support during the consultations.
Looking ahead to the 2027 election, the APC candidate promised to grant full administrative and financial autonomy to local governments in Oyo State if elected governor.
He said the proposed autonomy would strengthen grassroots development and expand opportunities for residents and party members to benefit from governance.
“I will only mention one or two, that as, by the grace of God, when I am sworn in on May 29, 2027, by His grace, there is going to be full administrative and financial local government autonomy in Oyo State,” he said.
