By Ismaeel Aleem
The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth League has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of neglecting governance in pursuit of an “unrealistic presidential ambition” for 2027.
The group’s coordinator, Ayobami Dagilogba, made the allegations in a statement released yesterday, claiming Makinde’s focus on national politics has sidelined Oyo State’s pressing developmental needs.
Dagilogba criticised Makinde for allegedly squandering state resources on personal political pursuits, pointing to his recent distribution of multimillion-dollar cars to select individuals, which the group dubbed a “Father Christmas” gesture.
“This act of extravagance starkly contrasts with the state’s developmental challenges,” the statement read, highlighting issues such as the absence of model schools, an exodus of medical personnel from government hospitals, lack of local government autonomy, and inadequate support for farmers.
“The people of Oyo State deserve better governance, and it’s essential for leaders to prioritise their needs,” Dagilogba added.
Makinde, touted as a potential PDP presidential candidate in 2027, had stated in April that he possesses the capability to lead Nigeria.
However, the APC Youth League dismissed his ambition as unattainable, arguing that his administration’s performance has fallen short of expectations.
When contacted, Makinde’s Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, declined to respond, stating, “We shall not dignify the statement with a response.”
The APC Youth League also called for greater inclusion of young people in party governance, describing their energy and creativity as vital for repositioning the APC to reclaim power in 2027.
Dagilogba urged genuine reconciliation among aggrieved party members, warning against actions that could hinder unity.
“The APC in Oyo State has the structure and capacity to consign the PDP-led administration to political oblivion, but not while internal crises weaken our prospects,” he said, stressing the need for free and fair internal democracy to avoid imposition and strengthen the party.
Dagilogba announced a Tinubu Loyalty Walk on October 4 to demonstrate solidarity with President Bola Tinubu and urged the APC’s national and state leadership to address internal challenges seriously to ensure victory in 2027.
The PDP, under Makinde, unseated the APC in Oyo in 2019, defeating Adebayo Adelabu, and again in 2023 against Teslim Folarin, amid APC’s internal wrangling.
