In Nigeria’s political chessboard, strength is often painted as arrogance, and independence as rebellion. Such is the case with Governor Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, a loyal chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and one of the most consistent builders of the PDP at the national level. To the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Makinde has committed many “offenses.” In reality, those so-called offenses are nothing but milestones of leadership, service, and resilience.
In a country where defections have become a political culture, Makinde stands firm in the PDP. His refusal to bow to pressure or trade loyalty for convenience is seen by APC leaders as a stubborn “offense.” But to Nigerians yearning for principled leadership, it is evidence of rare courage.
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Makinde’s governance has been performance-driven, frustrating APC’s attempts to dismiss the opposition. Among his milestone achievements are:
• Infrastructure Renewal: Construction and rehabilitation of key roads such as the Moniya–Ijaiye–Iseyin Road, Oyo–Iseyin Road, and Ogbomoso–Fapote–Iseyin Road, opening up rural–urban economic links.
• Education Reform: Free education policy in primary and secondary schools, cancellation of multiple levies, and investments in school rehabilitation that boosted enrollment.
• Security Architecture: Launch of the Amotekun Corps in Oyo State, strengthening local security in line with regional collaboration.
• Agriculture & Economy: Expansion of the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, designed to create jobs and boost food production.
• Health Services: Upgrades to primary healthcare centres across all 351 wards, ensuring at least one functional PHC per ward.
Each of these achievements stands as a “silent offense” against the APC narrative that the PDP is incapable of delivering governance.
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Makinde has gone beyond Oyo State politics to play pivotal roles at the national level:
He was a frontline voice in the PDP Governors’ Forum, advocating for reforms and inclusivity.
He pushed for the South-West to have a fair share of national leadership positions within the party.
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He emerged as a bridge between PDP factions, ensuring unity when defections threatened the party’s survival.
His bold positioning during the 2023 general elections reinforced his role as a builder, not just a beneficiary, of PDP structures.
Makinde has never hidden his independence of thought. Whether negotiating federal matters, addressing regional security, or managing local politics, he resists federal overreach. To APC leaders who expect obedience or submission, this independence becomes an “offense.”
Makinde’s political activities have consistently placed him in the national limelight:
- His central role in the South-West PDP Congress where he fought to reposition the region’s politics.
- His active presence during the PDP presidential primaries and campaigns, where he emerged as a strategic voice for equity and balance.
- His ability to maintain cordial relationships across party divides, projecting himself as a bridge-builder in Nigeria’s fractious political climate.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s many “offenses” before the APC are not crimes; they are achievements. They are the offenses of performance, loyalty, independence, and vision. He has proven that one can remain in the opposition and still deliver good governance. For APC, that is a threat. For the people, it is hope.
History will not remember Makinde as a governor who bowed to pressure but as a leader who stood firm, built his party, and transformed his state.
