IBADAN, September 2026 — The campaign team of the Oyo State All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate has responded to a viral video showing a man seated on the candidate’s lap, describing the moment as “spontaneous and fatherly.”
The short clip, which circulated widely on social media over the weekend, showed the APC candidate interacting with a supporter during a grassroots engagement. In the video, the man was seen sitting on the candidate’s lap while both laughed and exchanged pleasantries.
The footage sparked mixed reactions online, with some users questioning the propriety of the gesture while others defended it as harmless.
In a statement on Monday, the campaign team said the interaction was unplanned and reflected the candidate’s “open and approachable” style with constituents.
“It was a spontaneous and fatherly gesture,” the statement read. “The candidate has always maintained a close relationship with the people, especially the youth and the elderly. There was no ill intent behind the moment captured.”
The team added that the candidate remains focused on issues affecting Oyo residents, including security, infrastructure, youth employment and agriculture, and will not be distracted by “misinterpretations of genuine human moments.”
The APC is preparing for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State. The candidate has been touring local governments across the state in recent weeks to engage voters ahead of party primaries.
