A viral video showing the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, with a student sitting on his lap has sparked reactions online.
Here are five key things to know about the controversy:
1. The Student Visited Alli With Other Polytechnic Ibadan Students
According to Alli’s campaign organisation, the student was part of a group from the Department of Banking and Finance at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
The students reportedly visited the APC governorship candidate at his campaign office in Mokola, Ibadan, to invite him to a programme and conduct an interview with him.
2. The Campaign Says There Were Not Enough Seats
The campaign team explained that the number of people present exceeded the available seating capacity at the office.
It said the shortage of chairs led to Alli asking one of the students to sit on his lap so that the interaction and interview could continue.
3. The Video Triggered Mixed Reactions Online
After the video surfaced on social media, many users reacted to the interaction between the politician and the student.
Part of the discussion focused on footage showing Alli briefly touching the student’s lap, with some viewers questioning the appropriateness of the gesture.
4. Alli’s Campaign Rejects Claims of Impropriety
Responding to the controversy, the campaign organisation described the incident as a harmless interaction that was being deliberately misrepresented.
It stated that Alli’s action was “a spontaneous and fatherly gesture” and insisted there was no inappropriate intention behind it.
The campaign also accused some online platforms of attempting to sexualise the encounter for political reasons.
5. The Campaign Wants the Focus on the 2027 Election
The campaign team urged the public to ignore what it described as misleading narratives surrounding the video.
It argued that discussions ahead of the 2027 Oyo governorship election should focus on issues such as leadership, development, competence and the welfare of residents rather than personal controversies.
According to the campaign, those familiar with Alli know him for maintaining what it described as a fatherly relationship with young people.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.