Oyo State’s Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, fervently expressed his unwavering support for his Osun State counterpart, Ademola Adeleke, amid looming political challenges presented by the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on Wednesday in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, Makinde boldly asserted that the APC will not succeed in its ambitions within both Oyo and Osun states, reaffirming the resilience of progressives in the region.
The backdrop of Makinde’s remarks stemmed from a previous statement made by the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who triumphantly proclaimed the party’s aspirations to secure further victories following their wins in Edo and Ondo states. Following the re-election of Ondo’s Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, Ganduje candidly articulated the party’s strategic focus on capturing the South-West geopolitical zone, with specific eyes set on Osun and Oyo. He claimed, “Our next target now is the South-West geopolitical zone, and you know we are good at hitting the target.”
However, Makinde challenges this narrative, suggesting that Ganduje’s statements stem from a disconnect with the electorate’s realities. Using the occasion of the commissioning of the Stadium Roundabout/Oke Baale Roundabout/Ilesa Garage Roundabout dual carriageway to deliver his message, Makinde urged the citizens of Osun State to remain steadfast and committed to Adeleke’s leadership. “The people of Osun State must come first, and they have been put first,” he proclaimed, reminding attendees that voters had made a conscious choice to transition to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) two years prior.
Makinde delivered a pointed critique aimed at the APC’s misguided optimism, stating, “Do not let their victories in Edo and Ondo fool you; we are contesting those results in court.” He reassured attendees of the PDP’s commitment to legal avenues, asserting, “We are a law-abiding party, and we believe that the corpse they hurriedly buried will be exhumed.” His emphasis on electoral integrity signals a pivotal stance within the ongoing political discourse.
Though he refrained from directly referencing Ganduje, his speech resonated as a strategic retort in the wake of Ganduje’s South-West targets. Makinde pointedly remarked, “People, are you not waiting for them? You will show them.” His use of rhetorical questions effectively engaged the audience, galvanizing support for both policies and party unity, which he views as paramount in this politically charged landscape.
Meanwhile, in a tone of admiration, Makinde acknowledged the collaborative spirit exhibited by Adeleke regarding infrastructural development. He commended Adeleke for completing the road project initiated by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, emphasizing that true leadership transcends political affiliations. “Adeleke didn’t say, ‘I won’t do it because I won’t take the credit,’” Makinde remarked, emphasizing the importance of continuity in governance irrespective of party lines.
As he closed his address, Makinde expressed gratitude for Adeleke’s fortitude in breaking away from conventional political trends, pledging his full support moving forward. The articulation of unity among progressives in the face of APC’s ambitions sets a clear tone for the political alignment in the region, encapsulating a decisive call for collaboration and resilience.
In a poignant exchange, Governor Adeleke reciprocated the sentiments, expressing appreciation for Aregbesola’s vision that initiated the Osogbo Ring Road project, reiterating his commitment to upholding the promises made to the citizens of Osun State.
In a political landscape often marked by division, the robust alliance between Makinde and Adeleke signals a critical pivot in the forthcoming electoral battles, as they rally their constituents to remain vigilant against perceived threats to their progressive governance. The governor’s emphatic support underscores a bold message: the APC’s reach in the South-West may not be as fruitful as presumed.