The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted strongly to recent criticisms from the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding Governor Seyi Makinde.
In a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of Oyo PDP, Michael Ogunsina, the party expressed dismay at the APC’s attempts to mask their fear of Makinde’s potential candidacy for the 2027 presidential election.
“It’s not only laughable but highly disheartening to see the Oyo State chapter of the APC attempt to cover their palpable fear of Governor Seyi Makinde’s potential emergence as the presidential candidate of the PDP,” Ogunsina stated.
He emphasized that Makinde’s governance record “continues to shine across Nigeria.”
The APC’s recent press statement, where they indirectly sought to allay their fears, followed an interview in which Makinde declared his capacity to run for the highest office.
Although, the governor did not confirm his candidacy, Ogunsina noted, “his statement has sent deep fear to the party due to their understanding of the enormity of love Seyi Makinde has garnered in less than six years of public service.”
Ogunsina further defined “capacity” as “the ability, the competence, the readiness to take on responsibility and deliver results.”
He asserted, “Governor Seyi Makinde has not only shown capacity; he has defined it,” praising the governor’s leadership style as “focused, people-oriented, strategic, and results-driven,” claiming he has excelled beyond all his predecessors.
The statement highlighted Makinde’s accomplishments in various sectors: “From infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic reforms, youth empowerment, to public sector innovation,” noting that Governor Makinde has positioned Oyo State as a model of what governance should be.
Ogunsina criticised the APC-led federal government for “bringing so much pain and discomfort to the people of Nigeria,” adding that “Nigerians from far north to the Deep South are calling on Governor Seyi Makinde to rescue us from a tyrannical government.”
He declared, “The entire world now knows Oyo State, not for political thuggery or backwardness, but for vision, growth, and progress, thanks to Makinde.”
Ogunsina accused the APC of being on “auto-pilot, lacking leadership, direction, and even a voice,” urging them to focus on critical national issues instead of attacking a successful governor.
The statement concluded with a warning to the APC: “If the Oyo State APC had half the intelligence, courage, and vision of Seyi Makinde, they wouldn’t be wallowing in political obscurity.”
As internal crises threaten the APC, Ogunsina asserted that a Makinde candidacy would expose the inadequacies of the current federal government and offer Nigerians an alternative to the prevailing governance challenges.
