Politics
Oyo 2019 governorship elections, a failed project for Adelabu?
It is no news that the horse race to Agodi Government House in Oyo State has come and gone, electorates have decided, while every political gladiators are nursing their wounds.
Today, Governor Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde (GSM) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the landlord of the Agodi Government House for the next three (3) years, and his party members, presently control the Oyo State House Of Assembly with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Action Democratic Party, (ADP) forming the opposition.
Interestingly, the residents of the state in their numbers were busy accessing the performance of Governor Seyi Makinde in the last 12 months based on the pyramid of success ladder, while some were still in euphoria rejoicing at cooling spots to celebrate his victory.
With the help of the coalition arrangement midwived by a former governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the beneficiary of the arrangement, Engr. Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 515, 621 votes to defeat his closest rival, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who secured 357,982 votes.
Meanwhile, the three governorship candidates that sacrificed their ambitions for Govrrnor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are Senator Olufemi Lanlehin of Action Democratic Congress (ADC), Barrister Sharafadeen Alli of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Chief Bolaji Ayorinde of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) . These political gladiators in the state aimed at forming a government of national unity; unfortunately, the agreement was breached and the coalition went sour.
With this revelation, did Adebayo Adelabu feels that he had failed? The answer is NO, according to political pundits. As a new entrant into politics, his performance at the poll was commendable and it beams ray of hope of a better political future ;if some measures are put in place.
Our investigations revealed that the progressive party in Oyo state, even when the late governor and the leader of the progressives, Alhaji Onaolapo Lamidi Adesina led the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2011, the party’s guber nominee, late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi defeated the then incumbent governor, Otunba Alao Akala of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by securing 420, 852 against 387, 132.
In a related development, in 2015, late Abiola Ajimobi became the ‘Koseleri of Oyo state’ under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by breaking the second term jinx. He polled 327,310, to defeat his brother, former governor Ladoja of the Accord Party scored 254,520 and others.
Considering these figures, it is obvious that Oloye Adebayo Adelabu performed extremely well in the last election, a feat he achieved through members of the progressives in the state who supported his ambition. This political calculation and permutation signify that the Obafemi Awolowo University trained accountant appeared to have an edge, but needs to improve on his relationship skills as a prominent political figure in the state.
According to the pundits, Adelabu must work on the politics of the ‘Gate Keepers ‘ and that of the Critical Success Factor’ (CSF) to accomplish his political ambition.
Oyo state housed Muslims, Christians and traditional worshipers, thus the need for proper religious identity in regards of governorship election.
People believed that Oloye Bayo Adelabu was a converted Christian, until the ‘sudden’ addition of ‘Abdulwaheed’ to his name.
The Muslims in the state observed that being a Muslim transcends mere name bearing. They insisted the community would be more pleased if Adelabu can take further practical steps to prove that he is really a Muslim.
No doubt, Adelabu is stylish, intelligent, strategic and has brilliant ideas toward Oyo state development, but needs to intensify efforts on these grey areas. By 2023, it is predicted that the party’s primary would be an interesting one as political juggernauts in the state surreptitiously expressed interests.
However, only time will tell.
Idowu Ayodele
Political Desk,
Mega Icon Magazine
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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