By Babatunde Olayiwola
The ugly dimension political desperation can assume in Nigeria once again came to the fore in Oyo State following the circulation of false allegations linking the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Senator (Dr.) Sharafadeen Alli, to the kidnap of the sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons.
What should ordinarily have remained a solemn security matter soon became a fertile ground for political propaganda merchants and peddlers of fake news determined to drag the name of Senator Alli into a criminal incident that had absolutely no connection with him or his political structure.
The allegation, which spread rapidly across some social media platforms, claimed that campaign stickers belonging to Senator Alli were allegedly found on a vehicle linked to the kidnappers and that some individuals identified as his loyalists were among the suspects arrested by security operatives.
However, facts that later emerged from police investigations have completely punctured the fabricated narrative, exposing the allegations as nothing more than a calculated smear campaign orchestrated to tarnish the image of the APC governorship candidate shortly after his emergence as the party’s standard bearer in Oyo State.
In a strongly-worded statement, the media office of Senator Alli dismissed the allegations as false, malicious and politically-motivated, stressing that desperate political actors were behind the coordinated attempt to blackmail the senator and mislead members of the public.
The office maintained that there was no shred of evidence connecting Senator Alli to the criminal incident, adding that the propaganda was carefully designed to heat up the polity and distract attention from the real security concerns surrounding the unfortunate abduction.
According to the statement, the police investigation and public parade of suspects clearly exposed the lies being spread by mischief makers, as none of the arrested persons had any relationship whatsoever with Senator Alli or his political movement.
Among suspects arrested were Wale Abolalewa, known as “Oloro,” and Dare Oyedele, alias “Solution,” allegedly linked to surveillance activities, while Semiu Ishola and Adeyemi Ayobami reportedly facilitated the hideout location.
Police authorities had disclosed that one of the suspects, Kelechi and another unidentified gang member were neutralised during a raid after allegedly opening fire on operatives, while security agencies intensified investigations into the network activities.
Rather, available information reportedly indicated that the suspects were linked to the political circle of the victims’ family and not to the APC governorship candidate as falsely portrayed in the viral reports.
Political watchers reportedly established that arrested suspects were associates linked to Ajiboye Sangogade, Personal Assistant to Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
Also, a trending voice note allegedly linked to a suspected girlfriend of Ajiboye Sangogade surfaced online recently, discussing alleged plans to ensure Senator Sharafadeen Alli was connected with the kidnapping suspects.
Similarly, none of the exhibits publicly displayed by security agencies included campaign stickers, posters or any other materials belonging to Senator Alli, contrary to the sensational claims being circulated online.
Observers say the development once again reflects the dangerous role fake news and political propaganda now play in Nigeria’s political environment, especially during periods preceding major elections where political opponents often resort to blackmail and misinformation to gain advantage.
Many political analysts have described the allegations against Senator Alli as part of a broader pattern of orchestrated attacks often targeted at frontline political figures perceived to enjoy growing popularity among the electorate.
Senator Alli’s emergence as APC governorship candidate has significantly altered political calculations within the state, leading to heightened tension among rival camps and triggering waves of propaganda aimed at weakening his public acceptance.
A serving senator, respected legal practitioner and notable Ibadan High Chief, Senator Alli has continued to build his political profile around issues of good governance, inclusiveness and grassroots mobilisation, factors many believe have unsettled his opponents ahead of the next governorship contest.
Political commentators warn that the growing culture of weaponising falsehood for political gains poses serious danger to democratic values and social stability, particularly in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly across digital platforms.
Meanwhile, the successful rescue of Chief Adelabu’s sister and her twin sons has been widely celebrated across Oyo State, with residents commending the swift intervention of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies involved in the operation.
Beyond the immediate controversy, the incident has once again reinforced calls for responsible political conduct and ethical use of social media, especially among political actors and their supporters.
Politicians have been urged to focus on issues-based campaigns rather than resorting to false accusations, propaganda and character assassination capable of deepening political divisions within society.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to fake news merchants whose stock-in-trade is the dissemination of unverified information capable of creating unnecessary tension and distrust within the polity.
As the dust gradually settles on the controversy, many residents of Oyo State are left reflecting on the disturbing ease with which false narratives are manufactured and weaponised in the nation’s political space.
Yet, with facts from security investigations now exposing the allegations as empty propaganda, the attempt to link Senator Sharafadeen Alli to the kidnap saga appears to have collapsed under the weight of truth and public scrutiny.
