By Bola Babarinde, South Africa
The recent revelation by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, regarding a closed-door political meeting in Minna has raised serious concerns among well-meaning citizens and stakeholders in Oyo State. According to Fayose, the meeting was allegedly involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governor Seyi Makinde, and former military president General Ibrahim Babangida was centered on the 2027 presidential election and a possible political alliance.
More troubling, however, are the specific allegations that Governor Makinde agreed to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on the condition of securing the party’s vice-presidential ticket as Atiku’s running mate, and that he allegedly pledged an initial ₦10 billion in support of the party’s “proper take-off.”
If these claims are true, they represent a dangerous and unacceptable diversion of public focus and possibly public funds toward personal political ambition. Oyo State resources are not a war chest for 2027 political calculations. They are meant for the development of infrastructure, education, healthcare, job creation, and the welfare of the people of the Pacesetter State.
Governor Makinde owes the people of Oyo State an urgent and unambiguous clarification. Silence in the face of such weighty allegations may be interpreted as complicity. We therefore call on the governor to publicly refute these claims within seven days or risk legal action from concerned progressives and indigenes of Oyo State who will not stand by while the state’s commonwealth is allegedly mismanaged.
At a time when many citizens are grappling with economic hardship, rising inflation, and insecurity, it would be morally indefensible for any public official to divert state resources toward financing a vice-presidential ambition under a political platform whose electoral viability remains uncertain. Governance is a sacred trust, not a stepping stone for reckless political experiments.
Furthermore, questions still linger regarding the ₦30 billion reportedly received from the Federal Government as compensation following the Ibadan gas explosion tragedy. The people deserve transparency and a detailed account of how that money has been utilized. Any suspicion that such funds could be redirected to political campaigns would be a grave betrayal of the victims and their families.
History offers cautionary tales. Political ambition, when not guided by prudence and accountability, has led many public officials into controversy and legal troubles. The path of overreaching ambition, fueled by public funds, often ends in investigation and disgrace. Governor Makinde must reflect carefully and choose the path of integrity over expediency.
Oyo State has long prided itself as the “Pacesetter State.” Its progress must not be stalled by personal ambitions that risk draining its treasury and derailing development efforts. Public office is temporary; reputation and accountability endure.
If Governor Makinde harbors national political aspirations, he is entitled to pursue them but using personal funds and within the bounds of the law. But under no circumstance should state resources be deployed for partisan maneuvering or coalition bargaining.
The people of Oyo State are watching. They demand transparency. They demand accountability. And they deserve leadership that prioritizes governance over ambition.
Governor Makinde must come forward, clear the air, and reassure the people that not a single kobo of Oyo State’s resources will be squandered on fruitless vice-presidential pursuits. The integrity and future of the state depend on it.
