Politics
Oyo 2023: I’m the best candidate to wrestle power from Makinde – Adeduntan
A governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, on Tuesday, made his case as the best candidate the opposition party can field if it intends to wrestle power from Governor Seyi Makinde.
Adeduntan added that he is the only aspirant who has what it takes to defeat the Seyi Makinde-led PDP government in the state.
The APC chieftain said this at the world press conference and formal declaration of his intention to contest for the governorship of Oyo state, in Ibadan.
He officially unveiled his seven-point agenda that would turn around the state, if voted for in the forthcoming election.
Expressing the essential features of his agenda succinctly, Adeduntan noted that security of life and property would be the top priorities of his government, lamenting that hoodlums are now on the prowl in the state.
Other critical areas captured in the policy thrust include: health, education, Youth unemployment, infrastructure, social welfare for the aged and unemployed, and agriculture.
He said, “I have decided, like the great American President John F. Kennedy, not to continue to wait for what my state can do for me, but to challenge myself on what I can do for my state. When I look back at my experience in the public sector, I realise that God has prepared me for this moment.
“I present myself as a capable, competent, and tested hand to make Oyo State greater. I am fully exposed locally and internationally- a Harvard university-trained board-certified cardiovascular surgeon, a general surgeon, a former professor of surgery at Morehouse school of medicine Atlanta, an entrepreneur, and a kind hearted philanthropist.
“Looking at other competitors, I am the best to wrestle power from Governor Makinde and give Oyo state back her pacesetter status. If elected, I shall immediately embark on the full restoration of the glory of Oyo state and make the people the pillar of our government.
“I promise the people of Oyo state to restore effective security of life and property, that is daily becoming a cause of serious concerns to residents of Oyo State”, Adeduntan reassured.
The former Commissioner for Health, however, urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State to come out with their membership cards and slips to vote for him at the primaries billed for May.
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.
-
Politics1 week agoAlli, Folarin, Adedeji, Oseni, Dare Named to APC Ekiti Re-election Campaign Team
-
Politics1 week ago
2027: Sowore Declares War on Corruption, Clinches AAC Presidential Ticket
-
News1 week ago
Teachers, CSOs Storm Ibadan, Demand Rescue of Abducted Pupils, Teachers
-
Metro1 week ago
OGUN KIDNAP CRACKDOWN: Seriki Fulani held as police recover ransom bag, sons flee
