The former Caretaker Committee Chairman, Ogun State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Honorable Dada Abiodun Awoleye has narrated his experience and he was exposed to while carrying out his assignment.
Awoleye; a former two term member of the Federal House of Representatives, Abuja, has disclosed that Governor Seyi Makinde’s political tentacles are already well spread across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
He said politicians in Oyo state should realize that Governor Makinde popularity has gone far beyond the shores of the south west region and as such, should be accorded the courtesy of a national leader in PDP rather than state or regional recognition.
Awoleye, currently the Chairman, Oyo state Primary Healthcare Board made the disclosure during an exclusive interview with westernmirror.com.ng after officially handing over the mantle of leadership of PDP in Ogun State to the newly elected and inaugurated executive council.
According to Awoleye, Governor Makinde’s leadership style, characterized by his focus on infrastructural development and social welfare of the people of Oyo state, has endeared him to many political leaders within and outside the PDP thereby, positioning him as a potential key player in near future national role.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that since assumption of office in 2019, Makinde has prioritized education, healthcare, security, and economic expansion via agribusiness and agricultural revolution agenda, and provision of infrastructure among others. Recent reports indicate that these efforts have contributed to a surge in popularity, making the governor one of the most recognized governors in the country.
Speaking further, Awoleye suggested that Makinde’s ability to connect with the electorate, which is rooted in his grassroots approach has contributed immensely to his soaring popularity and national appeal within the political landscape.
Awoleye also stated that Makinde’s political tentacles have also begun to reach beyond party lines, as his stance on critical national issues, such as security and economic development, had positioned him as a strong voice within the national political environment.
“People are talking about 2027, I was not there in Ogun state for 2027 but there to institute the structure of the PDP from ward to state, not for wether somebody wants to contest for governor in 2027 or beyon, no, it’s none of my business.
“When you get to that bridge you can cross it, so, the same thing in Oyo state, we don’t have issues, we’ve a very stable political party in Oyo state because of the way our leader, Governor Seyi Makinde is leading the party.
“He’s providing good leadership, that’s making everybody to follow suit, follow his directives, including all members of the political party, I don’t want to say only the state exco, all members know him to be a good leader because of the way he has been leading us.
“I can tell you, Governor Makinde has even gone far beyond southwest as a political leader, our recent appointments in Ogun state made me to know that, he’s now a complete national leader.
“Nationally Governor Seyi Makinde is well respected, that’s why from what I’m seeing, people are ready to even support him when he eventually declare for presidential ambition, people are ready to support him, because he has made his mark all over Nigeria.
“I have also discovered that he has his tentacles spread all over Nigeria as a national figure, by virtue of that assignment I was given. It is now left for us in Oyo state to support him and continue to make the party to be as stable as possible and even in the southwest.” Awoleye stated.