By Kolawole Ojebisi
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has dismissed statements to the effect that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would take control of the entire Southwest geopolitical zone as unrealistic.
Makinde said Osun and Oyo states, the remaining two states being governed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the region would teach the APC a political lesson in the governorship election scheduled for 2026 and 2027 respectively.
According to Makinde APC’ s national chairman, Dr Ganduje’s recent statement to the effect that the APC would win the entire SouthWest states was misguided having being informed by the euphoria genrated by the successive electoral victories recorded by his party in Edo and Ondo govership polls.
Speaking in Osogbo, on Wednesday, during the inauguration of the Stadium Roundabout/Oke Baale Roundabout/Ilesa Garage Roundabout dual carriage road, Makinde said Ganduje might have been distracted when he said the APC would capture Osun and Oyo states.
He said the people of Osun State had been blessed to see the light that Governor Ademola Adeleke represented and would show the APC “pepper” in the next governorship election in the state.
Makinde congratulated the people of Osun State on the choice to support Adeleke two years ago, saying the governor had been delivering dividends of democracy to his state.
He said:”I want to congratulate my brother, the governor of Osun State. This is not about data or using NBS to cover the lies some people tell about their achievements. On our drive from the Government House to this place, I counted new building projects and looked at the number of people that must have been employed. So, this is for real.
“The people know what they are getting and I congratulate the people of Osun State on their choice. I also want to commend Governor Adeleke for delivering democracy dividends to the people.
“The reward for hard work is more work. So, give him more work to do for another four years.
“I am so happy to be here this afternoon to celebrate the good works going on in Osun State and I want to, on behalf of our people in Osun and Oyo states, congratulate you.
“We are one, not just in culture, language and tradition, but for my brother and I, we are one in ensuring that when public money has been spent on a project whether by two or three administrations before you, you have to complete it. On this road project, he has done that and value has been extracted for the good people of Osun State.
“This road was started by former Governor [Rauf] Aregbesola but Governor Adeleke completed it. So, I thank you for completing this road project.
“This is cementing your position in leadership. I am glad Nigeria has become too advanced for mediocre minds that cannot think one inch deeper. It is such minds that will say ‘I did not start the project and I am not supposed to complete it.’ Some may even say that because they belong to another political party, they won’t complete a project. No, the people must come first. Now, a new set of leaders is coming up.”
Speaking further, Makinde encouraged the electorate to stand firm behind Adeleke for another term of four years, noting that the two PDP governors had proven to be the real progressives in the South-West region with their pro-people policies and programmes.
“Two years ago, the people of Osun State made a political choice by moving from one political party to the PDP. Somebody that I believe got distracted a little bit after the Edo and Ondo elections said they are coming out for Osun and Oyo states
“My people, are you not waiting for them? You will show them that we are different and resolute people. We are law-abiding people and our party plays by the rules. But we believe that the secret they have been covering will be revealed to the people.
“I can’t stop thanking Governor Adeleke for breaking out of the mould of the usual politicians and doing something unusual by delivering on the mandate given to him. I can only encourage you and I promise you my support in the battle ahead,” he said.
Recall that Ganduje, speaking with journalists after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared the APC candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the winner of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, had said the APC would take over the South-West by 2027, with victories in Oyo and Osun states.
