Makinde To SSACO: ‘You Are Already In Panic Mode’
The allegation by the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) that Governor Seyi Makinde is attempting to play the role of a spoiler in the 2027 presidential election is misplaced and misguided, the governor’s media aide has said.
Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to the Oyo State Governor, said the allegation revealed more about SSACO’s apprehension than about Makinde’s presidential ambition, describing the claim as an assertion without substance.
Olanrewaju stated this in a press release issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in response to SSACO’s comments on Makinde’s political ambition.
He said the latest remarks by the campaign organisation followed what he described as a pattern of unfounded commentary aimed at distorting national political discussions, adding that its criticism of Makinde had become predictable and detached from facts.
According to him, Makinde, who is the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), is contesting to reset Nigeria and build a country that works for all citizens.
He said the governor’s ambition was anchored in a clear national vision and a commitment to responsible leadership, pointing to his record of constructive engagement, bridge-building and issue-driven governance.
Olanrewaju argued that suggesting that a candidate with such a record would abandon his national aspirations to play the role of a spoiler was illogical and amounted to a deliberate misrepresentation of the governor’s intentions.
He also faulted SSACO’s claim that Makinde stood no chance against the incumbent president, questioning why the organisation continued to focus its attention on the governor if his candidacy posed no political threat.
“If a candidate supposedly has ‘no chance,’ why does SSACO attack him at every turn?” he asked, adding that the organisation’s persistent criticism reflected what he described as its fear of Makinde’s political strength.
The governor’s media aide also accused SSACO of displaying similar apprehension towards Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, the APM governorship candidate in Oyo State, alleging that the organisation’s repeated criticisms of him reflected anxiety rather than confidence.
He maintained that Makinde’s engagement at the national level was driven by substantive issues rather than political rhetoric, noting that his interactions with Nigerians across different regions reflected a commitment to stability, competence and clarity in governance.
Olanrewaju described SSACO’s comments as a distraction, insisting that the governor remained focused on his presidential ambition despite the criticism from political opponents.
He further claimed that Makinde continued to attract support across the country, arguing that the governor’s political message was gaining traction because it was rooted in substance rather than controversy.
According to him, the campaign organisation’s criticism would neither slow Makinde’s political momentum nor undermine his commitment to engaging Nigerians on the country’s future.
“Governor Makinde is in this race with purpose and conviction,” Olanrewaju said, adding that the governor would remain focused on his national ambition despite what he described as attempts to create distractions.
He maintained that Makinde’s engagement with Nigerians would continue as the political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum.
Signed:
Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju
Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor of Oyo State
October 21, 2026