Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, will not be distracted in his determination to ensure a strong and united Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West geopolitical zone, his Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters, Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye, has said.
Oduyoye, in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan, on Thursday, stated that Governor Makinde will not be deterred by opposition to his reconciliatory efforts and plans to bring unity and cohesion to the PDP in the South-West.
He added that the governor has been doing his best both as elected governor of Oyo State and as a leader of note within the PDP structure.
“As for the incumbent assignment given to Governor Makinde by the national leadership of the PDP, making him the chairman of the National Campaign Council for the party for the Ondo State governorship election, the governor has been doing his best to provide leadership, doing everything possible towards ensuring that the party comes out victorious in the October 10, 2020 governorship election,” Oduyoye said.
He maintained that Governor Makinde would remain focus on delivering good governance in Oyo State in fulfilment of the mandate entrusted to him by the good people of Oyo State, adding that the governor will also continue to play roles considered to be in the overall interests of the PDP in the South-West zone and nationally.
The Political Adviser counselled those who might want to paint Governor Makinde as meddling in the affairs of the party in their states to check themselves against the barometer of honesty, altruism and selflessness.
He said: “Upon his assumption of office in May 2019, Governor Makinde embarked on a mission to bring about unity and cohesion in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across all the states of the South-West geopolitical zone.
“To date, he has achieved a level of success in that effort and the party has not only become stronger, it is also better positioned for more successes in the zone.
“The governor was in Lagos State to reconcile all sides and the whole world can see the outcome of that effort. He is playing the same role in Osun and Ekiti states, consulting everyone and seeking middle grounds for hitherto warring sides. I believe the opposition from some quarters in Ekiti State is a fallout of the peace effort being championed by the governor.
“One is gladdened by the fact that the consultative approach of Governor Makinde is paying off.
“We are equally gladdened that the hitherto subdued voices in each of the states of the South-West now have a chance not only to hear others but also to be heard, ” Oduyoye said.
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