SSACO Tackles Makinde Over Economy, Says TV Interview Exposes Policy Gaps

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has criticised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over his recent television interview, accusing him of failing to translate increased federal allocations into meaningful economic growth, industrialisation and job creation in the state.

The campaign organisation, in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, said the governor failed to provide convincing explanations on how his administration had utilised the increased revenue accruing to the state to stimulate productive economic activities.

SSACO argued that despite receiving substantial federal allocations, which it put at approximately N145 billion in 2024 and N214 billion in 2025, the Makinde administration had yet to achieve the level of industrial development and economic transformation expected by residents.

The organisation described the governor’s comments on the need for a productive economy as an attempt to deflect attention from what it called the failure of his administration to maximise the financial resources available to the state.

In the statement, SSACO said:
“It is shameful that Governor Makinde tried in vain to downplay the triple and sometimes quadruple federal allocations accruing to Oyo State since 2023 by reason of President Tinubu’s reforms, insisting that what matters is a productive economy.

“He has failed to apply the funds appropriately to create the right environment for industrialisation and economic activities that will provide jobs and enable the people of Oyo State to create wealth.”

The organisation further questioned why the governor had not sufficiently leveraged the increased revenue to promote private sector investment, expand industrial activities and improve the state’s economic base.

“It is a sign of cluelessness to have huge funds and have no idea how to use them to enable productive economic activities. If President Tinubu’s reforms deliver the money, should he be the one to teach Governor Makinde how to utilise it for the benefit of the people of Oyo State?” the statement queried.

SSACO also faulted the administration’s handling of the state’s electricity sector, alleging that N8.5 billion spent on an electricity project had failed to deliver the expected results.

It accused Makinde of criticising the Federal Government over electricity supply while failing to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Electricity Act 2023 to develop alternative electricity arrangements in the state.

The organisation cited Lagos, Ekiti and Abia states as examples of states it claimed had taken steps to leverage the provisions of the Act to improve electricity generation and distribution.

“It is disheartening that Governor Makinde spent N8.5 billion of the increased federal allocations on a failed electricity project while he criticises President Tinubu for not fixing electricity.

“While states like Lagos, Ekiti and Abia have taken advantage of the Electricity Act 2023, which President Tinubu signed into law to liberalise electricity generation and distribution, among others, Governor Makinde has failed to act in the same manner to provide electricity for industries, businesses and households,” SSACO alleged.

The campaign organisation also questioned Makinde’s political ambition beyond Oyo State, arguing that his administration’s economic record should be scrutinised before he presents himself as capable of addressing Nigeria’s broader economic challenges.

It maintained that the people of Oyo State deserved a leadership approach that would prioritise industrialisation, electricity supply, private sector development and employment generation.

SSACO further stated that its principal, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, would pursue an economic development agenda aimed at addressing what it described as shortcomings in the present administration if elected governor in 2027.

According to the organisation, Alli’s proposed Oyo AHEAD agenda includes the establishment of a state electricity regulatory framework, investment in solar energy, provision of low-interest financing for the organised private sector, revival of the Free Trade Zone and the creation of a N10 billion youth development fund.

“Senator Alli’s alignment with the Federal Government will deliver greater benefits for Oyo State. This is why Oyo people must vote right in the 2027 election,” the statement added.