Oyo State APM chieftain, Dare Adeleke, has said that the party’s presidential aspirant and Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that he is a formidable politician and an accomplished administrator.
Speaking during an interview in Ibadan, Adeleke said Makinde had established himself among other presidential aspirants, adding that his achievements so far demonstrated his seriousness and commitment to the race.
According to Adeleke, “It is obvious that His Excellency is in the race with his eyes firmly fixed on the ultimate prize. The strong team he has assembled for the election is a testament to his ability to identify the right people for the job. It also affirms the confidence his supporters have in him as a person and in his achievements as governor of Oyo State.”
He added that Makinde’s legacies were evident across the state, with ongoing projects and interventions having a significant impact on various aspects of the people’s lives, including infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, food security, road construction, and people-centred governance.
Adeleke also commended the governor’s courage in confronting oppression and injustice, noting that workers had continued to receive their salaries, while pensioners had experienced improved welfare.
He said Makinde had devoted his two terms in office to prioritising the welfare and security of the people, adding that Oyo State had been fortunate to have him as governor.
Continuing, Adeleke observed that many governors tended to slow down during their second terms in office, but said Makinde had intensified his efforts to deliver on his promises.
“Here was a man who promised the people a new lease of life when he assumed office as governor. He accomplished a great deal in his first term but stepped up his efforts in his second term, ensuring that projects were completed and that others, such as the international airport, were fast-tracked.
“He never rested on his oars. Above all, he made accountability his watchword, and that is why he can speak with such confidence today. It truly takes a man with vision and the capacity to translate that vision into reality,” Adeleke said.
“It takes a leader with a heart for the people to always remember that he came from the people,” Adeleke noted.
He cited Makinde’s reported promise, made the previous week, to compensate property owners affected by the Ibadan Circular Road project, with ₦6 billion earmarked for the exercise, as an example of the governor’s commitment to the welfare of residents.
Adeleke further maintained that the people of Oyo State were firmly behind Makinde as he pursued his presidential ambition.
“Yes, we are all behind him, standing with him, and the people are also here for him. Can’t you see his campaign team and how carefully he selected and assembled a strong group of individuals with influence across different sectors and down to the grassroots?
“That is how you recognise a good administrator. I can tell you that Makinde and Oyo State will stun Nigerians during the election,” Adeleke said enthusiastically.
