The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has promised prompt payment of salaries, allowances and other entitlements to workers if elected governor in the 2027 governorship election.
Alli gave the assurance amid ongoing industrial actions by medical and dental officers in the state’s employment and members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
While the medical workers began their strike on Monday, October 26, 2026, the LAUTECH ASUU branch commenced an indefinite strike on Thursday, October 29, 2026, disrupting healthcare services and raising concerns about academic activities at the institution.
In a statement issued by Bisi Oladele, Director of Media and Publicity of the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO), the APC candidate criticised Governor Seyi Makinde over his handling of the disputes, accusing him of neglecting the welfare of workers while pursuing his presidential ambition.
Alli described the strikes as troubling, particularly in view of reported shortages of medical personnel, inadequate equipment and deteriorating facilities in government-owned hospitals across the state.
He questioned why disputes over allowances, outstanding entitlements and the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement had been allowed to escalate into industrial action despite the state government’s stated commitment to workers’ welfare.
According to the campaign organisation, the demands of the Association of Medical and Dental Officers (AMDO) include payment of outstanding allowances and restoration of salaries for medical personnel transferred from field assignments to the Ministry of Health.
The organisation also said LAUTECH ASUU members were demanding implementation of the Federal Government-ASUU agreement, payment of outstanding entitlements, including promotion arrears, and provision of necessary facilities.
The APC candidate expressed concern that the withdrawal of services by medical personnel could further strain the state’s already overstretched public healthcare system.
He warned that the consequences of the strike would fall disproportionately on residents who depend on government hospitals, particularly pregnant women, children, pensioners and low-income families who cannot easily afford private medical care.
The campaign organisation said prolonged industrial action could affect access to emergency treatment, continuity of care and the welfare of vulnerable patients.
It also accused Makinde of prioritising political activities outside the state over efforts to resolve the disputes affecting healthcare delivery and education.
“Worse still, Governor Makinde has chosen the comfort of a political jamboree in the South East over the urgent responsibility of safeguarding the health and lives of his people and education of future leaders,” the statement said.
It added that Oyo State needed a governor focused on governance rather than what it described as Makinde’s presidential ambition.
The allegations and criticisms were contained in a statement issued by Alli’s campaign organisation.
Alli assured workers that his administration, if elected in 2027, would prioritise prompt payment of salaries and allowances, constructive engagement with healthcare professionals and improved facilities in public hospitals.
The campaign organisation said his proposed administration would place the welfare of healthcare workers, education and the wellbeing of residents at the centre of its policies.
It also appealed to the striking medical personnel and lecturers to remain open to meaningful dialogue while acknowledging their right to pursue legitimate employment demands through lawful means.
The organisation called for immediate contingency arrangements to protect patients requiring emergency and life-saving treatment while the industrial action persists.
It stressed that the health and lives of residents must remain paramount, regardless of the disagreements between the workers and the state government.
