Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will teach the All Progressives Congress (APC) a political lesson in the 2026 Osun State election and the 2027 Oyo State election.
Makinde made this statement while commissioning some projects executed by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in Osogbo on Wednesday.
He described the ambition of the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, to capture Osun and Oyo states as unrealistic.
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.
However, according to Makinde, Ganduje might have been distracted when he made the statement.
Makinde noted that the people of Osun State have been blessed to see the light that Governor Adeleke represents and would show the APC “pepper” in the next governorship election in the state.
Makinde congratulated the people of Osun State on their choice to support Adeleke two years ago, saying the governor had been delivering dividends of democracy to his state. He praised Adeleke for continuing projects inherited from his predecessors, stressing that prioritizing value for public funds had been a hallmark of his administration in Oyo State over the past five years.
The governor also noted that one of the best ways to tackle the economic challenges facing Nigerians is for administrators to implement policies and projects that would impact their people. He commended Adeleke for doing well in this regard.
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.
Makinde also condemned federalism as being practised in the country, adding that everyone must fight for reforms that would lead to true federalism. He noted that some proponents of true federalism are moving towards a unitary type of government, but he and Adeleke would continue to lead the path and provide good leadership for their people.
In his remarks, Governor Adeleke appreciated Makinde’s presence, noting that his presence was a manifestation of the strong bond of brotherhood between Oyo and Osun states. Adeleke also paid tribute to former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and stressed his administration’s commitment to completing inherited projects.
