Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed the statement made by the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, claiming that the party would take over Osun and Oyo states in the upcoming elections.
Makinde argued that Ganduje’s remark was misguided, pointing out that both states had made significant strides under the leadership of Governors Ademola Adeleke and himself.
Makinde, speaking at the commissioning of several projects initiated by Governor Adeleke in Osun State, emphasized that the people of Osun, who had embraced the progressive leadership of Adeleke, would not be swayed by APC’s claims.
He stated that the forthcoming governorship election in Osun would showcase the people’s determination to support the current leadership.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde praised Adeleke for not only continuing but also completing inherited projects, which he described as a testament to the governor’s dedication to serving the people.
Makinde noted that delivering on promises and ensuring the value of public funds spent was central to both his own administration in Oyo and Adeleke’s in Osun.
Makinde further highlighted the importance of governors prioritizing policies and projects that benefit their people, particularly in these challenging economic times.
He expressed his admiration for Adeleke’s efforts in improving Osun’s infrastructure, which he said had made a visible difference on the ground.
“On our drive today, I saw firsthand the progress being made. The number of ongoing building projects and the number of people employed speaks volumes. This is not about numbers or statistics; this is real work for the people.” he said
He went on to encourage Osun’s electorate to continue supporting Adeleke, urging them to re-elect him for another term to keep the momentum going.
Makinde praised Adeleke’s leadership, stating that it was rare for politicians to break the mold, but Adeleke had proven that good governance could transcend party lines.
Makinde also took the opportunity to address the criticisms from Ganduje, stating that the people of Osun and Oyo would not be intimidated by external forces.
“We are law-abiding people, but we will not allow anyone to deceive us. The secret behind some of these claims will be exposed, and our people will see the truth,” he said.
The governor also spoke about the economic benefits that the road and infrastructure projects in Osun would bring, particularly in terms of property value and economic development.
He noted that such projects would lay the groundwork for future prosperity, encouraging residents to hold onto their properties in areas benefiting from the developments.
In his remarks, Governor Adeleke expressed his gratitude to Governor Makinde for his continued support, acknowledging the strong bond of brotherhood between the two states.
He highlighted that both Oyo and Osun were committed to a shared vision of progress for the South-West region.
Governor Makinde’s visit to Osun was also marked by the presence of top officials from Oyo State, further reinforcing the unity between the two states.