Makinde Boasts of Oyo, Osun People’s Support, Challenges APC Leadership

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has hit back at the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, over his recent statement that the party would capture both Osun and Oyo states. Makinde suggested that Ganduje’s remarks may have been made in haste, arguing that the people of Osun State, who have seen the positive impact of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s leadership, would deliver a strong message to the APC in the upcoming governorship election.

Makinde made these comments during the commissioning of several projects completed by Governor Adeleke in Osun State. He congratulated the people of Osun for their support of Adeleke’s administration, emphasizing that the governor had been delivering tangible benefits to the state.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Governor Makinde praised Adeleke for completing inherited projects and ensuring that citizens received value for the public funds spent. He noted that this focus on delivering real, impactful projects was also a cornerstone of his own administration in Oyo State.

Makinde remarked: “This is not just about statistics or data manipulated to cover up failures. On our drive from the Government House to here, I saw numerous new construction projects and estimated the number of people employed. This is not just talk; this is real progress. The people know what they are getting, and I congratulate the people of Osun for making the right choice.”

The governor went on to emphasize that the reward for hard work is more work and urged the people of Osun to continue supporting Adeleke for another term in office. He praised Adeleke for completing a major road project started by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, a move that reflected a commitment to the people and a departure from political partisanship.

Makinde also took aim at politicians who refuse to complete projects initiated by predecessors, saying: “Some would say, ‘I didn’t start the project, so I’m not going to complete it.’ But that’s not the approach we should take. The people’s needs must come first.”

He urged the people of Osun to remain firm in their support for Adeleke, reaffirming that both Adeleke and he are true progressives, committed to policies that benefit the people, not just political gamesmanship. He also warned that the APC’s attempt to wrestle power in both Osun and Oyo states would be met with resistance.

“Two years ago, the people of Osun made a clear choice to move away from the APC and embrace the PDP. Now, they are seeing the results. We will show the APC that we are resolute in our commitment to the people’s welfare. Our party plays by the rules, and we believe the truth will soon be revealed to the people.”

Makinde also highlighted the ongoing infrastructure development in Osun, including a road project that would have significant economic benefits for the region. He encouraged landowners along the project’s route to hold on to their property, as the area’s value would soon skyrocket due to the development.

In his remarks, Governor Adeleke thanked Makinde for his continued support, noting that the presence of his Oyo counterpart was a reflection of the strong bond between their states. The commissioning event was attended by various top government officials from both Osun and Oyo states, further cementing the collaboration between the two governors.

Makinde concluded by reiterating that visionaries, not mediocrity, would be needed to tackle Nigeria’s current economic challenges and stressed the importance of reforms that would lead to a true federal system, rather than the unitary government approach being pushed by some political actors.