The people of Oyo State, according to Governor Seyi Makinde, would vote for equality, fairness, and unity of Nigeria in the presidential election on February 25.
Sen. Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, was welcomed by Makinde on Thursday in the Executive Chamber of his office at the State Secretariat Agodi in Ibadan.
On his visit to the state as part of his presidential campaign, Tinubu reportedly paid the governor’s office a courtesy call.
Makinde clarified that, in his capacity as state governor, he does not engage in political game-playing, stressing that the interests of the populace always come before those of political parties.
He reaffirmed the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) G-5 Governors’ (G-5) support for Nigeria’s equity, justice, and togetherness.
“What the G-5 and the integrity group are saying is that if we have to choose between the unity of this country and our political objectives, we will choose the unity of this country.
“Therefore, I made reference to the sacrifices made by our APC colleagues, the governors from this country’s Northern region, since we also watched your emergence and they made certain sacrifices for the unity of our country.
“If we want to advance as a species, the system must change to promote equity, justice, and fairness in how this nation is governed.
Political parties will disappear if the nation does not survive.
“I’ll just say that I hope everything goes well for you. The fact that we would vote for equality, fairness, justice, and unity of Nigeria in the presidential election is one thing I want you to remember from this visit, he stated.
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Makinde added asked Tinubu to feel free to convey his message to the state’s residents that February 25 is a historic event.
Prior to that, Tinubu thanked Makinde for welcoming his campaign team and recognised the wonderful work his administration was carrying out in the state while being accompanied by key party chieftains.
He claimed that the governor had led the state effectively.
Makinde, according to Tinubu, exhibited qualities of a capable leader and was a dedicated worker who had worked brilliantly for the state.
The APC presidential candidate complimented Makinde for being fortunate to have contributed to the history of a wonderful state like Oyo State while also outlining his commitment to the region.
He added that he wanted to be the next president of a united and secure Nigeria and that ethnic emotions should have no place in national politics.
“I want to lead Nigeria as a united, single nation, and political division and divisiveness must be clearly removed from the manner we do it,” the candidate declared.
Because of this, according to the constitution, the Chief Executive of the State and the Chief Security Officer should be consulted first. I’m come to explain why we are all in Oyo State right now.
It is difficult to bring an opposition entourage into your own shadow, but you did, therefore I truly want to thank you for your warm welcome.
Also, despite our political differences, you have shown yourself to be a good leader who is persistent, industrious, and polite in all aspects of your conduct.
Thus, I made the decision to show you my appreciation today and to express my gratitude for the excellent work you are doing in Oyo State.
According to NAN, the APC delegation included Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, former Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti.
Others were the former National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande; Musiliu Obanikoro, a former senator and minister from Lagos State; and Dimeji Bankole, a former speaker of the House of Representatives.
