IBADAN — The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, has promised that local government councils will regain full control of their finances and operations if elected in 2027, declaring an end to what he called the “stifling” of council autonomy.
Alli made the pledge on Tuesday while addressing residents at a dialogue on the state’s future, organised by the Oyo Rising Citizens Forum (ORCF) in Ibadan.
Speaking on a range of governance issues, the APC candidate said local governments under his administration would independently manage their allocations, build their own schools and health centres, and employ their own staff without interference from the state.
“My administration will not spend one kobo belonging to local governments,” Alli said. “They will build their schools, build their health centres and employ their own workers. That era of stifling the councils is over.”
On the controversial circular road construction that has displaced or affected some residents, Alli promised swift action, saying a committee would be set up within 48 to 72 hours to resolve the grievances. He assured residents that no land would be forcibly seized and that compensation concerns would be addressed.
“We will not seize people’s land and we will not sell state assets,” he said.
The candidate also vowed to halt the sale of state-owned assets, pledging instead to grow revenue through agriculture and mining. As part of his economic plan, he said his government would establish at least one cottage industry in every local government area to boost employment and local production.
On education, Alli promised to improve learning conditions by capping classroom sizes at a maximum of 30 pupils per class, a move aimed at improving teacher attention and student outcomes across public schools in the state.
The Oyo Rising Citizens Forum event drew residents from across the state as part of ongoing engagements ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
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