The Oyo State Local Government Chairmen Forum has strongly criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election candidate, Hon. Olawale Murphy, over the distribution of sachet alcohol as campaign souvenirs to residents.
In a statement jointly signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Hon. Sakiru Sanda, and Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Akintayo, the local government leaders described the act as “a glaring display of poor judgment” and “a clear indication that the APC and its candidate have nothing meaningful to offer the people of Ibadan North.”
According to the Forum, the decision to hand out sachet alcohol at a political rally not only undermines the moral and cultural values of the community but also exposes the public to significant dangers. “It is unfortunate for the APC, alongside Adebayo Adelabu, to produce a candidate whose priority appears to be turning Ibadan North into a drinking arena,” the statement read.
The chairmen warned that distributing alcohol at campaign venues encourages underage drinking, promotes irresponsible behaviour, and poses serious health and safety risks. “This irresponsible gesture will increase the likelihood of fights, accidents, and disorderly conduct during and after the event. It reflects a complete disregard for public safety and the wellbeing of constituents,” the statement added.
The forum lamented the death of the former Representative, Hon. Aderemi Jagaban whose death has thrown the door open for people with questionable character to seek to represent the metropolitan Local Government of Ibadan North.
They further alleged that the act was not accidental but a calculated move to create a rowdy, carnival-like atmosphere, masking the absence of a credible development agenda. “The APC and its candidate have once again shown that they are more interested in cheap popularity than in addressing the pressing needs of the people,” the Forum concluded.
The development has sparked widespread outrage among residents, many of whom see the gesture as degrading to the image of Ibadan North and symptomatic of a lack of vision in the APC’s local leadership.
