Governors Makinde, Adeleke, And Others Slam Ganduje Over APC Takeover Claims
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has sparked strong reactions from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, and opposition leaders following his comments on plans for the APC to dominate the South-West. Ganduje, speaking after the APC’s victory in the Ondo State governorship election, stated that the party aims to achieve political “homogeneity” in the South-West by taking over Oyo and Osun states.
Makinde’s Response: A Pushback Against “Wishful Thinking”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissed Ganduje’s statement as unrealistic. Through his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde reaffirmed the PDP’s hold in Oyo, describing the APC’s ambition as a “wishful dream.”
The Oyo PDP also issued a strongly worded statement, condemning the APC’s focus on power acquisition instead of addressing national challenges like economic hardship. The party accused Ganduje of attempting to “abduct people’s destinies” and declared that Oyo State would remain under the leadership of a government committed to peace and good governance.
Adeleke: Osun Will Resist Electoral Manipulation
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State expressed similar concerns, warning against any attempt to undermine democracy in the region. Through his media aide, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke criticized Ganduje’s remarks as inconsistent with democratic principles.
Adeleke highlighted Osun’s historical resistance to electoral fraud and called on the APC Chairman to respect the state’s political autonomy. He also accused Ganduje of threatening to destabilize the South-West, potentially undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to maintain peace in his home zone.
Opposition Leaders Voice Concerns
Other opposition figures joined the criticism. Timothy Osadolor, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, accused the APC of manipulating elections in Edo and Ondo states and vowed to rally Nigerians against further attempts to dominate opposition-controlled states.
Similarly, the Osun Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, cautioned Ganduje against inciting political tension in the South-West, describing his comments as reckless and tone-deaf amid the nation’s economic difficulties.
Labour Party National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh also dismissed the APC’s claims, arguing that the party’s failures have eroded public trust. He noted that hunger and hardship under the APC-led federal government would deter voters in Oyo and Osun from supporting the ruling party.
Ganduje’s Ambition vs. Regional Realities
Ganduje’s remarks have drawn widespread criticism for their perceived insensitivity and disregard for local political dynamics. While the APC may celebrate its victories in states like Ondo, opposition leaders and stakeholders in Oyo and Osun remain steadfast in their resolve to protect their states from what they perceive as a bid to subvert democracy.
As the 2026 elections approach, the battle for the South-West is likely to intensify, with both the APC and opposition parties doubling down on their strategies to secure voter confidence.
