APM Accuses Alli, APC of Blackmail Over Billboard Destruction

…As Campaign council describes allegations against Adekanmbi as unfounded, urges members to remain peaceful

The Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Oyo State has dismissed allegations linking its governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, and the party to the alleged destruction of campaign billboards belonging to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in parts of Ibadan, the state capital.

The APM Governorship Campaign Council described the allegation as unfounded, accusing the APC and its governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, of attempting to gain public support through what it termed falsehood and unsubstantiated claims.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director of Communication and Spokesperson of the APM Governorship Campaign Council, Yinka Oladoyinbo, said the party had no involvement in the alleged destruction of the APC campaign materials and should not be associated with the incident.

Oladoyinbo urged the APC and its candidate to desist from linking Adekanmbi and the APM to acts of violence, describing the APM candidate as a peaceful individual who had never been associated with the destruction of other people’s property.

The campaign council also accused the APC of attempting to blame its internal crisis on APM members, alleging that the opposition party had previously claimed that some of its leaders were attacked by APM supporters during political engagements.

It further faulted the APC over its recent allegation of a diphtheria outbreak in Oyo State, describing the claim as another attempt to mislead the public.

According to the APM, the allegations suggest that the APC lacks concrete programmes capable of convincing the electorate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The party, however, expressed confidence that residents of the state would continue to support the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, citing what it described as seven years of good governance, peaceful coexistence and development.

The campaign council maintained that no amount of allegations would prevent the APM from pursuing its political ambition in the state, insisting that the electorate would make informed decisions at the polls.

It called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the alleged destruction of the APC billboards and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The APM also urged its members to remain peaceful and continue their political activities without fear, expressing confidence in the ability of security agencies to protect lives and property.