A viral video featuring Oyo APC gubernatorial candidate Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli has sparked widespread backlash after it was revealed that the young man seen sitting on his lap is a student. The footage, which initially drew mild amusement from Nigerians, has now triggered outrage as viewers accuse the senator of abusing his power.
Video Context: Students Seek Support from Senator
The video was recorded during a meeting where students from Ibadan Polytechnic approached Alli to seek support for their program. The young man in question is a representative of the Banking and Finance Students' Association. During the interaction, the student, who appeared tense, sat on the senator's lap and folded his fingers to form a fist while reading questions from his phone.
As the conversation progressed, Alli is seen rubbing the young man's thigh with his hand. The student then asked the senator about unemployment and the approach he would take to address it if elected governor. Alli responded while continuing to rub the student's thigh, saying, "Well, you're going to use what you have to get what you want, to leverage on whatever we have in the state."
Public Reaction: Mixed Blame and Defense
The revelation that the young man is a student has shifted the tone of the public discourse. Many Nigerians are now condemning the senator's actions, labeling them an abuse of power. Others, however, are also blaming the student for not putting an end to the act during the meeting.
In response, numerous social media users have defended the student, arguing that he was in an uncomfortable situation and was the powerless party in the interaction. The defense highlights the power dynamics at play, with the student likely feeling unable to react or remove himself from the situation.
Impact and Ongoing Discussion
The incident has fueled broader conversations about the treatment of students and young people by political figures in Nigeria. The video, shared by Linda Ikeji on Instagram at 02/09/2026 8:15 PM, continues to circulate online, drawing widespread criticism and calls for accountability.
As the backlash grows, the focus remains on the senator's conduct and the implications for his gubernatorial campaign. The full video, now widely shared, serves as evidence of the encounter, leaving the public to debate the appropriateness of the senator's actions and the student's response.
