The camp of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has fired back at the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO), dismissing its allegation that the governor is playing a spoiler’s game ahead of the 2027 general elections and accusing the group of acting out of panic.
Makinde’s camp described the allegation as misplaced and lacking substance, insisting that the governor’s presidential ambition on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) was driven by a clear national vision and a commitment to building a better Nigeria.
In a strongly worded response, the campaign camp said SSACO’s criticism revealed more about its own political anxiety than the strength of Makinde’s presidential bid.
It accused the organisation of making unfounded claims and attempting to distract attention from what it described as serious national issues.
According to the statement, Makinde is pursuing the presidency to reset Nigeria and build a country that works for all citizens.
The governor’s supporters argued that his record of constructive engagement, bridge-building and issue-driven governance contradicted the suggestion that he had entered the presidential race merely to undermine another candidate.
They described the spoiler allegation as an attempt to misrepresent his political ambition and distract Nigerians from the issues shaping the 2027 elections.
The campaign camp also challenged SSACO’s reported assertion that Makinde stood no chance against the incumbent president, asking why the organisation continued to focus so heavily on his candidacy if it considered him politically insignificant.
“If a candidate supposedly has ‘no chance,’ why does SSACO attack him at every turn?” the statement queried.
It argued that the organisation’s repeated criticism of Makinde demonstrated apprehension about his presidential ambition rather than confidence in its own political position.
The governor’s camp also accused SSACO of directing unnecessary attacks at Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, the APM gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State.
It maintained that the repeated criticism of Adekanmbi reflected political anxiety and an attempt to create distractions ahead of the elections.
According to the statement, Makinde’s national engagements are focused on issues affecting Nigerians across regions, including stability, competent leadership and clarity of policy direction.
It contrasted this approach with what it described as SSACO’s attempts to divert public attention through political rhetoric.
The campaign camp further insisted that Makinde remained committed to his presidential ambition, expressing confidence that his message would continue to attract support across the country.
It described the governor’s engagement with Nigerians as steady and purposeful, arguing that his political aspirations were anchored in policy issues rather than media exchanges with rival camps.
The statement maintained that criticism from SSACO would not derail Makinde’s campaign or weaken his resolve to pursue the presidency.
It added that the governor’s supporters remained focused on communicating his vision for national renewal rather than engaging in what they described as unnecessary political distractions.
The latest exchange highlights the growing political rhetoric among rival camps as political actors position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
