The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth League has faulted Governor Seyi Makinde’s alleged pursuit of the 2027 presidency, accusing him of neglecting governance in favour of personal political ambition.
Makinde, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is reportedly among southern politicians eyeing the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the next general election. In April, the governor had declared that he possessed the capacity to lead Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, the state coordinator of the APC Youth League, Ayobami Dagilogba, criticised Makinde’s focus on what he described as “an unrealistic ambition” while the state struggles with pressing developmental needs.
Dagilogba alleged that public resources were being diverted to political patronage, citing the governor’s recent distribution of cars to selected individuals as an example of misplaced priorities.
“Despite being in office, no model schools have been built, students are deprived of quality education, and government hospitals continue to lose medical personnel, crippling healthcare delivery. Local government autonomy remains suspended, stifling grassroots development, while farmers lack the support they need,” he said.
The youth leader described the car distribution as a “Father Christmas gesture” at a time when Oyo residents were grappling with poor infrastructure and economic hardship.
He called for the inclusion of youths in party affairs, insisting that their energy and innovation were essential to repositioning APC for victory in 2027. Dagilogba further urged reconciliation among aggrieved party members and warned that internal crises could hinder the party’s chances in the next election.
“APC has the structure and capacity to retire the PDP-led government in Oyo State, but this will not happen if we continue to repeat past mistakes,” he warned, stressing the need for internal democracy and a level playing field.
Dagilogba also announced plans for a “Tinubu Loyalty Walk” scheduled for October 4 to demonstrate solidarity with President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership.
When contacted for a response, Makinde’s Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, dismissed the allegations, saying, “We shall not dignify the statement with a response.”
Makinde’s PDP ended APC’s eight-year rule in Oyo State in 2019. Since then, the APC has twice failed to reclaim the governorship seat, losing to the PDP in both the 2019 and 2024 elections. The party is now working to reconcile factions ahead of the 2027 polls.
