The All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged the governorship aspirant of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, to give an account of his stewardship as the former Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Oyo State.

A political group, Team Arapaja, in a statement signed by Ibrahim Shetif, alleged that Adekanmbi’s leadership as commissioner and BIR chairman was characterised by the widespread mistreatment and humiliation of staff under his supervision. The group also urged him to clear his name over allegations of mismanagement of local government funds.

Reacting to Adekanmbi’s recent appearance on Fresh FM, during which he accused the APC candidate of embezzling funds while serving as chairman of Ibadan North Local Government and claimed to possess damning evidence, Team Arapaja dismissed the allegations as political mudslinging.

The group questioned why Adekanmbi had failed to present such evidence during previous electoral contests involving Senator Sarafadeen Alli, including the 1996 senatorial election under the United Nigeria People’s Party (UNPP) and the 2023 Oyo South Senatorial District election. Comparing his approach to Governor Seyi Makinde’s performance during the 2023 election debate, Team Arapaja warned voters against politicians who make serious allegations without providing evidence.

The statement also questioned Adekanmbi’s political allegiance, citing his admission that he associated with Governor Makinde for nearly seven years following the death of his former boss, the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Team Arapaja alleged that the shift was a defensive manoeuvre intended to shield him from corruption investigations relating to the Ajimobi administration.

Additionally, the group challenged Adekanmbi to address allegations that he leaked information about properties belonging to the Ajimobi family to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. The Ajimobi family played a pivotal role in transitioning Adekanmbi from the private sector into public service. If he could betray his benefactor, can the people of Oyo State truly trust him with their future?” the group queried.

Concluding its statement, Team Arapaja urged voters to demand transparency and assess candidates based on their track records, integrity and competence rather than empty promises. It challenged Adekanmbi to publicly respond to the allegations with facts rather than rhetoric. (Nigerian Tribune)