The campaign organisation of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sharafadeen Alli, has criticised the state government’s streetlighting project, questioning the use of diesel-powered generators to operate some of the installations across the state.
According to the campaign organisation, the Seyi Makinde administration has committed about N400 billion to the installation and maintenance of streetlights, yet continues to rely on fuel-powered generators rather than more sustainable power sources.
The criticism came in a statement issued on Saturday by the campaign organisation’s Head of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, in response to remarks made by Governor Seyi Makinde concerning Alli.
The organisation argued that the continued use of diesel generators for streetlights was costly and environmentally unfriendly, particularly at a time when solar-powered and energy-efficient lighting systems were being adopted in other cities.
It also questioned the decision to replace or discontinue solar infrastructure and electric poles installed by the previous administration, arguing that the facilities could have been upgraded rather than replaced.
According to the statement, the streetlight project had also become dysfunctional in some areas, with load-shedding allegedly affecting its operation.
The campaign organisation further criticised the renovation of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, claiming that the facility failed to secure approval from the Confederation of African Football for Shooting Stars Sports Club to host continental matches despite the reported expenditure on its renovation.
It said the development had forced Shooting Stars to seek an alternative venue outside the state, and questioned the quality and certification of the renovation work.
The organisation said the two projects reflected what it described as shortcomings in the administration’s handling of public infrastructure, insisting that government projects should deliver value to taxpayers rather than serve as avenues for publicity.
It added that Makinde’s repeated references to Alli in public remarks showed that the APC candidate remained a subject of interest to the governor, urging Oyo residents to demand accountability on public spending.