Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has responded to criticism from All Progressives Congress (APC) figures over the use of diesel-powered generators for some streetlights in the state, saying attention should instead focus on resolving Nigeria’s electricity challenges.
Makinde spoke on Monday at the Boye Nation/JAF Movement Mega Concert held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, where supporters linked to former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, formally joined the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The event marked the movement of the group, led by Adelabu’s former Personal Assistant, Ajiboye Akande Sangogade, from the APC to the APM ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Responding to criticism from APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, over the use of diesel generators to power some streetlights, Makinde said the issue should be viewed within the context of the country’s long-standing electricity problems.
The governor said critics should recall the promise by their political principal to resolve Nigeria’s power challenges within four years.
“Tell them their father and boss was the one who said if he doesn’t fix the light all over Nigeria within his first four years, no one should vote for him again,” Makinde said.
Makinde argued that if the national electricity challenge had been addressed, state governments would not have needed alternative arrangements such as diesel-powered generators to maintain public lighting.
The governor also responded to comments about his professional background, stating that his engineering qualification had been recognised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, where he said he holds the status of Fellow.
He also described APM’s Oyo governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekambi, as a professional and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.
Makinde urged Senator Alli to focus on the contest with APM candidate Adekambi rather than directing criticisms at his administration.
The political gathering also featured the formal reception of supporters associated with Adelabu into the APM.
Sangogade, an Ibadan-based political organiser and ally of the former minister, led thousands of supporters into the party during the event themed “Young, United, Unstoppable (YUU).”
Speaking at the gathering, APM candidate for Ibadan North-West/South-West Federal Constituency, Akin Fagbemi, said the turnout showed increasing support for the party in Oyo State.
Fagbemi stated that the party’s “Reset Nigeria” agenda would address issues including unemployment, economic hardship and declining opportunities.
He added that the party would extend its mobilisation efforts beyond Oyo State as Makinde prepares to lead the party’s national campaign platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
