Governor Seyi Makinde revealed that his potential membership in the All Progressives Congress (APC) was altered by an encounter with Chief Bisi Akande in 2007.
Speaking at Chief Bisi Akande’s 85th birthday celebration, the governor explained that his political trajectory shifted due to the encounter with the political elder.
Initially, Makinde supported Governor Ladoja, who was impeached in 2007, leading him and others to seek a political alliance due to dissatisfaction with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the influence of Baba Adedibu.
Expressing his desire to go to the Senate, Makinde formed an alliance in the Action Congress (AC) but faced opposition from others.
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Confusion arose when he discovered that two names, including his, were submitted to INEC.
Rushing back from the United States with Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi and Alaji Arisekola Alao, he sought Chief Akande’s assistance in Abuja.
Despite Makinde’s disappointment upon learning both names were submitted, Akande advised him to try.
Disheartened, Makinde left the AC and contested the Oyo South Senatorial seat under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2007, losing to the People’s Democratic Party candidate, Kamoru Adedibu.
In a separate statement, Governor Makinde emphasized the interconnectedness of fiscal federalism, restructuring, and state police with effective governance prioritizing the people’s interests.
Speaking at the 85th birthday lecture of Chief Bisi Akande, Makinde urged constitutional reforms to accommodate these ideas for the benefit of the people.
Commending Chief Akande for his contributions to national development, Makinde highlighted the need for political officeholders to prioritize public welfare.
He stressed the relevance of Chief Akande’s ideas on fiscal federalism, restructuring, and state police, dating back to his 1977 presentation at the Constituent Assembly.
Makinde concluded by celebrating Chief Akande’s exemplary leadership and encouraging the implementation of his visionary thoughts for the benefit of the nation.
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