Oyo govt dismisses reports of political crisis, accuses APC of peddling falsehood

The Oyo state government has dismissed recent reports alleging internal crisis, panic meetings, and mass disaffection within the political camp of Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the claims as calculated fabrications sponsored by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the government maintained that the Makinde political structure remains vibrant and united, contrary to narratives suggesting a crumbling political base.

Olanrewaju noted that while the administration would ordinarily ignore such claims, it became imperative to set the record straight to prevent members of the public from being misled by deliberate distortions.

“The report alleging panic meetings, mass disaffection and a crumbling political structure is not only false; it is a calculated mix of distortions, half-truths and outright fabrications aimed at creating a crisis where none exists,” the statement read.

Addressing the allegations of clandestine gatherings, the governor’s media aide explained that Makinde’s leadership style has consistently been anchored on open consultation and inclusiveness across political, professional, and community divides, noting that the governor does not require secret meetings to engage with members of his administration or party stakeholders.

On the issue of defections, Olanrewaju acknowledged that political realignments are normal in any democracy, but faulted the opposition for attempting to sensationalise routine movements of individuals.

According to him, political movements in the state are not one-directional, as many leaders, professionals, youths, and grassroots supporters continue to identify with and join the Allied People’s Movement (APM).

“What APC propagandists deliberately failed to acknowledge is that political movements are not one-directional.

“While a few individuals have chosen to pursue other political paths, many more leaders, stakeholders, professionals, youths and grassroots supporters continue to identify with and join the Allied People’s Movement (APM) because they can see and feel the impact of Governor Makinde’s people-centred policies and developmental agenda,” he stated.

He added that the strength of a political movement is measured by the confidence it inspires among the electorate rather than isolated defections, insisting that the people of Oyo State remain resolute in their support for the governor and APM candidates.

Olanrewaju further attributed the administration’s continued acceptance to verifiable achievements across key sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, agribusiness, security, and workers’ welfare.

He pointed to the prompt payment of workers’ salaries, settlement of pension obligations, execution of strategic road projects across all geopolitical zones, and steady inflow of investments as tangible evidence of governance.

He also faulted the credibility of the media report in question, noting that it relied entirely on unnamed sources and unverifiable claims without any effort to seek official clarification.

“The public should also note that the report relies almost entirely on unnamed sources, unverifiable meetings and imaginary conversations. Not a single participant was identified, no evidence was presented and no effort was made to seek official clarification. That is not journalism; it is propaganda disguised as news,” Olanrewaju said.

Reiterating that Makinde remains focused on governance and consolidating the gains of his administration rather than succession politics, the statement challenged APC leaders in the state to explain to the electorate why they have struggled to offer a compelling alternative despite controlling the Federal Government.

“The facts on the ground speak louder than politically motivated speculation, and the people of Oyo State remain the ultimate judges of who has delivered on promises and who merely traffics in propaganda,” the statement added.