Team Arapaja, a political group loyal to former Oyo State Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja, has challenged the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, to address allegations surrounding his record in public office and political relationships.
The group also questioned Adekanmbi’s recent accusations against the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, demanding that he provide evidence to substantiate his claims ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.
In a statement signed by its representative, Ibrahim Sheriff, Team Arapaja urged residents to scrutinise the records and public statements of candidates rather than accept political allegations without supporting evidence.
The group’s reaction followed Adekanmbi’s appearance on Fresh FM’s Political Circuit programme in Ibadan, where the APM candidate reportedly accused Alli of financial impropriety during his tenure as chairman of Ibadan North Local Government and claimed to possess evidence against him.
Team Arapaja dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, questioning why Adekanmbi had not presented the purported evidence during previous elections contested by Alli, including the senator’s 1996 senatorial election under the United Nigeria People’s Party (UNPP) and his successful 2023 bid for the Oyo South Senatorial District seat.
The group urged political candidates to substantiate serious allegations with verifiable facts, warning that unproven accusations could distract from substantive discussions about governance and development.
It also drew comparisons between the controversy and the 2023 governorship election, alleging that Governor Seyi Makinde had made unsubstantiated claims against the then APC governorship candidate, Teslim Folarin, during a debate.
Group questions Adekanmbi’s political allegiance
Beyond the allegations against Alli, Team Arapaja questioned Adekanmbi’s political relationship with Makinde following the death of his former political principal, the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
According to the group, Adekanmbi acknowledged associating with Makinde for nearly seven years after Ajimobi’s death.
It alleged that the relationship was intended to protect him from scrutiny over the previous administration’s financial dealings.
The group also challenged Adekanmbi to respond to allegations that he disclosed information about properties belonging to the Ajimobi family to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Team Arapaja argued that the family had played a significant role in Adekanmbi’s transition from the private sector into public service, using the allegation to question his relationship with his former benefactors.
“He who comes to equity must come with clean hands,” the group said, adding that Adekanmbi should explain the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
However, the claims concerning Adekanmbi’s conduct, political motives and alleged disclosure of information to the EFCC were presented by Team Arapaja and were not independently established in the statement.
Past public service record under scrutiny
The group also called attention to Adekanmbi’s previous roles as acting chairman of the Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue and commissioner for finance under the late Ajimobi administration.
It alleged that civil servants experienced humiliation and mistreatment during his time in office.
Team Arapaja further referred to allegations of financial impropriety involving ₦30 billion in local government funds, insisting that Adekanmbi should address the controversy.
The statement did not provide documentary evidence establishing the allegations or detail any judicial findings against the APM candidate in connection with the claims.
Adekanmbi, a former commissioner for finance, emerged as the APM’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election in May 2026.
He is among the candidates preparing to challenge for the Oyo State governorship seat.
Team Arapaja concluded by urging voters to assess candidates on transparency, integrity, administrative records and policy proposals.
It also challenged Adekanmbi to respond publicly to the allegations with verifiable facts rather than political rhetoric.
As the 2027 election approaches, the controversy adds to growing exchanges among political camps in Oyo State over candidates’ records, financial accountability and the future direction of governance.
