Oyo State faces political unrest amid violence and party disputes

Political tensions are escalating in Oyo State, Nigeria, amid rising reports of violence and internal party disputes ahead of the 2027 elections. The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has accused Governor Seyi Makinde and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, of failing to restrain violent elements within their ranks.

The controversy follows the killing of Ridwan Adeyemo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was reportedly attacked by hoodlums in Ibadan. SSACO has called on community elders to intervene, alleging that political bloodshed is being used as a campaign tactic. The APC has demanded an urgent security investigation into the incident.

In separate developments, Olaniyi Ajekiigbe, an Action Alliance (AA) governorship aspirant, has denied claims that he withdrew from the race or conceded to Titilola Sodo. Ajekiigbe maintains that the dispute over the party’s governorship ticket is still subject to judicial proceedings.

Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde, who is also the APM presidential candidate, recently addressed the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), urging Christians to participate in politics to combat national poverty rather than avoiding governance due to religious concerns.