The campaign organization for Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, has issued a statement to clarify a viral video that has stirred controversy on social media. The video, which surfaced on September 2, shows a male student from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, sitting on Alli's lap during a visit to his campaign office.

According to the campaign team, the incident occurred when a group of students from the Department of Banking and Finance visited Alli to interview him and invite him to an upcoming departmental event. Upon their arrival at the Mokola campaign office, the office was reportedly crowded, leaving limited seating available for the students. In an effort to facilitate the interview without delay, Senator Alli invited one of the students to sit on his lap, a gesture the campaign team described as spontaneous and fatherly.

The statement from the campaign organization emphasized that there was no inappropriate intention behind the action, stating, "It is deeply unfortunate that political desperation has descended to this level, where an ordinary interaction between a fatherly political leader and students who came to seek support for their programme is deliberately twisted into something sordid."

The campaign team further defended Senator Alli, asserting that those familiar with him understand his positive relationship with young people. They urged the public to dismiss the negative narratives surrounding the video, labeling the backlash as "cheap political blackmail" aimed at misleading voters.

As the video continues to circulate online, the APC's clarification highlights the ongoing challenges faced by political figures in the digital age, where moments can be easily misconstrued and amplified through social media channels. The incident raises questions about the perception of political interactions and the impact of public scrutiny on candidates as they engage with constituents, particularly the youth.

This situation serves as a reminder of the sensitivity required in political communications, especially when dealing with the younger demographic, which is often critical in shaping electoral outcomes. The Oyo APC's response reflects a commitment to transparency and a desire to maintain a positive image for their candidate as the governorship election approaches.