The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation, SSACO, has accused supporters of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, of vandalizing the campaign billboards of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and his deputy, Hon. Soji Adedeji, in Ibadan.

According to the campaign organisation, the vandalism occurred in Mokola, Sango, Monatan-Olodo Road, Odo-Ona and Toll Gate-Iwo Road along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, among other places.

SSACO made the accusation on Tuesday in a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, saying the vandalism was another incident in a row that has raised concern in the state about the conduct of electioneering activities in view of the 2027 governorship election.

Reacting to the vandalism, SSACO alleged that supporters of Adekanmbi were using destructive means to sabotage the campaign of Mr. Alli in Ibadan, adding that their action could ignite tensions in the state.

“The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation is raising the alarm on the incessant vandalism of our campaign billboards in various parts of Ibadan by supporters of Hon. Bimbo Adebanmi, the APM gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State. The vandalism reportedly sprung from the unhappiness of the APM supporters at the recent attack on Alli’s wife and two APC candidates in Ibadan.

SSACO alleged that the attacks by Adekanmbi supporters were a clear indication of their fear of losing the June 2027 governorship election to Alli. The organisation described the vandalism as barbaric and an unacceptable action for any political aspirant.

“Vandalism has become a customary act of those who have lost their moral compass. Political differences are not a justification for attacks and destruction of materials and property. We appeal to Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi and Governor Seyi Makinde to urge their supporters to desist from acts, gestures and statements that will destabilise the peace and security of Oyo State.”

It admonished the APM supporters to do away with the tension and allow APC to campaign freely without hindrance, noting that the people of Oyo State deserved peace and security. “We warn APM hoodlums to desist from this condemnable act and stop using the state’s tranquility to foment political tension.

Oyo State is a peaceful state and Governor Makinde and Hon. Adekanmbi should immediately call their goons to order.” SSACO urged the police management and other security agencies to prosecute the vandals and bring them to book for the destruction caused.

Every political party and candidate has the right to free and uninterrupted campaigning. APC will not bow to any pressure and intimidation against its candidates in its bid to restore APC back to power in 2027. SSACO laid blames on the APM for the alleged vandalism, saying the incident corroborated its earlier caution against the party’s campaign activities in the state.

“The vandalism is a pointer to the mischief going on in the state, and we urge the security agencies to prosecute the vandals and take serious cognizance of the situation. APM’s vandals and marauders are becoming too bold and rowdy; their actions will only lead to more tension in the state if they continue.”

SSACO urged APC members and supporters to avoid all actions that could cause tension in the state. “SSACO admonishes APC members and supporters in Oyo State to maintain peace and avoid using force to stop any electioneering activities by opponents. They must be wary of the traps being laid across the state by Bimbo Adekanmbi’s supporters and desist from any action or statement that may cause tension in the state.

SSACO reiterated its confidence in the victory of Mr. Alli in 2027. His governorship campaign agenda, Oyo AHEAD, will put Oyo on the map and continue to develop the state if he wins the election.