Politics
2019: I will make Oyo state to finance itself, Makinde pledges
THE gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state, Engr Seyi Makinde has attributed lack of political will and deliberate government policies to cheat the system by those in power as reasons why the state’s economy has not improved.
Contained in a statement issued from his campaign office, signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the PDP guber nominee said this while receiving delegates from Oke Ogun who thronged his office in appreciation of the choice of Engr Remi Olaniyan as his running mate.
Makinde referred to his Manifesto titled, ‘Oyo State Roadmap For Accelerated Development, 2019-2023 in which he enumerated his plans to make the state economically viable.
“Coming from a successful business background, I have, in concert with my team worked out the best and durable ways to lift the state up from a debt-ridden entity to a rich and self sustaining one.
” The N1.4bn Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by the state can be improved upon drastically if we provide an easier template for businesses to be established and function in the state”, he said.
In the Ease of Doing Business category, Engr Makinde said that he is always unhappy when he sees Oyo state permanently second to the last among all the 36 states in the Federation especially in the past seven years and wondered why anyone would say that such Legacy must continue.
Billions of needed naira is lost and the resultant debt borrowing is transferred to tired and vulnerable citizens.
“I will ensure that the protocol and red-tapism for starting a business in our state is reduced to the barest minimum instead of the current long-drawn period, while we’ll be flexible and ensure that every single business passes through the state Board of Internal Revenue Services for effective monitoring and taxation. I will also make sure that the staff of the board are motivated enough while plugging all loopholes for fraud.”
Makinde further boasted that without waiting for Federal Allocation,the state will use its internally generated resources to tackle youth unemployment in the state and concentrate more on policies that have direct bearing on the sufferings of the people rather than ego-serving and selective infrastructural development.
He opined that his policies are people-centred because the people of the state are suffering untold hardship in the hands of ruling APC particularly the irregular payment of civil servant salaries, underfunded education sector despite the increase in school fees and other unfriendly policies of APC in Oyo State.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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