Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has asked political appointees in his administration with aspirations for elective offices to openly declare their ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde gave the directive on Thursday at the Oyo State Government-organised 2026 Iftar programme held at the frontage of the Banquet Hall, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
In a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, the governor directed the aspirants to pursue their ambitions on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Makinde said such aspirants could count on his support as long as their loyalty and commitment remained with the people and the development of the state.
He noted that the directive became necessary following claims that he had not given clearance to aspirants seeking political offices, especially those serving in his administration, despite the election timetable having been released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“I have read on social media that I have not given the go-ahead to political appointees who have ambitions to hold different political offices, including the governorship seat.
“So, henceforth, you are free. Whoever wants to contest for any position should bring out their billboards. And those of you who are bothered about the PDP crisis, add the party’s logo to the billboard, nothing will happen.”
The governor used the occasion to appreciate Muslim faithful in the state for their prayers, support, and cooperation with his administration, noting that these had contributed to the state’s development, progress, and growth.
Earlier in his lecture, the guest lecturer at the Iftar programme, Fadilat Onihantu, commended Makinde for his leadership qualities and dedication to his family, faith, and the people of the state.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Daud Akinola, thanked the governor for consistently organising the Iftar programme since the inception of his administration and for his continued support for the Muslim community in the state.
He also called for more prayers for the state and the country.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, appreciated Makinde and urged Muslims in the state to continue supporting the government.
The event was attended by a former governor of the state and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; former Deputy Governor, Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Mohammed Fadeyi; the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Iyabo Yerima; member representing Ibadan South-West/North-West Federal Constituency, Dhikirulahi Olajide; and member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency, Shina Oyedeji.
Also in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde; President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Tajudeen Abdulganiyu; Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni; Deputy Chief of Staff, Kazeem Adeniyi; and the Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Bayo Lawal.
Others present included the Co-Chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Wole Oyelese; Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Hashim Atere; Oyo State PDP Deputy Chairman, Wasiu Adeleke; Chairman of all Local Government Chairmen in the state, Sikiru Sanda; K.K. Oloso; Bayo Oyero; Muslim scholars, religious leaders, traditional rulers, members of the League of Imams and Alfas, royal fathers, service commanders, commissioners, and permanent secretaries.
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