Politics
Lagos/Iwo Road Interchange: S/West PDP salutes Makinde, says APC’s criticism misplaced, in bad faith
The South-West Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended the decision of the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, to reconstruct the Iwo Road Interchange, saying that the bold move was a show of courage by Makinde.
The South-West PDP, in a statement by the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ayo Fadaka, said that the planned reconstruction was “well-thought-out and a reflection of governance with people’s interest at its core.”
He said that the road has become problematic for motorists and road users for years, adding that the criticism by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) was not only misplaced but mischievous.
The South-West PDP chapter said that the courage exhibited by Governor Makinde to reconstruct the interchange would provide a lasting solution to the perennial traffic logjam around Iwo Road.
The party also took a swipe at the APC, which criticised the planned reconstruction, noting that the party was merely showcasing itself as enemy of the people.
“Rather than exhibiting progressive ideas in line with the name of that party, the APC in Oyo State have only showcased its true colours as a regressive, anti-people and a bullying party that needs education on how to play responsible opposition politics,” the PDP said.
The statement further reads: “We take due cognizance of the decision of the Oyo State Government to reconstruct the Lagos/Iwo Road interchange in Ibadan and strongly commend Governor Seyi Makinde for the courage to immediately tackle a road that, for years, has remained a traffic challenge to those who commute on it. Residents and visitors to the prime city of South-West, Ibadan have suffered untold losses as a result of the traffic snare on the Iwo Road axis.
“We also note that the APC in Oyo State has risen in arms against this laudable project, anchoring its opposition on two major planks, that the Governor chose to announce the execution of the project when he attended a Jumat service in a mosque and that the corridor falls within the two Federal Road which are to be reconstructed.
“Much as we feel that these planks are infantile and ridiculous, we feel challenged to address them, as our explanations will provide a proper education for the mindset of the APC handlers in Oyo State.
“First, the new road project is expansive and it will consume so many existing properties, both public and private, thus Governor Makinde decided to meet with stakeholders to explain the rationale for the execution of the project, seek their understanding and support for same.
“This approach of course is strange to the APC in Oyo State as it is a remarkable departure from the garrulity and bullying tactics of the immediate past governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who would have dared anyone to challenge the “constituted authority”
“Secondly, the thinking that the contract sum is bogus failed to take into cognizance the fact that the road project is not intended to be a mere “window dressing” but one that is designed to be durable and withstand challenges that consume roads in Nigeria easily. Again, it is a fact that multibillion properties will be destroyed, therefore, ‘Seyi Makinde’s government, being a responsive and responsible government, will pay compensations to citizens and organizations that will be affected.
“We are also worried that the APC was equating the reconstruction of Ibadan/Ile-Ife Expressway and the Lagos/ Ibadan Expressway with the much needed succour desired to bring the traffic snare in Iwo Road to an end.”
The PDP urged the Oyo APC to ditch its puerile approach to playing opposition politics, noting that its handlers needed to be schooled on how to be a responsible opposition party in the State, a role which it noted that Oyo PDP played effectively for eight years, which led to the loss of the APC in the March 9, 2019 election.
“We wish to state that we understand the current plight of the APC in Oyo State as wanting to provide credible opposition to government. However, its puerile approach and obvious limited understanding of issues remain a grievous hindrance to the fulfilment of that responsibility. We, therefore, offer to train their handlers free of charge, as part of our corporate social responsibility,” the party said.
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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