A former executive assistant on political matter to late former governor Abiola Ajimobi and a three-time former commissioner in Oyo State, Dr Morohunkola Thomas has described the political strategy of Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, as one that is weak stressing that the governor is facing governance without minding his political base.
Analyzing the strengths and otherwise of the dissolution of the Zenith Labour Party into the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party on BOTTOM LINE on IBR 92.5FM, Ibadan today anchored by Aanuoluwapo Omorinde, and monitored by OYOINSIGHT.COM, the former commissioner said the governor needs to play politics alongside governance.
“Governor Seyi Makinde needs to understand that staying with the people cannot be forever.
That was what late Abiola Ajimobi did in his first term but give it to him, Ajimobi was an intelligent man who goes for whatever he believed in so, in 2014, he brought in top notch politicians who understand the political terrain of Oyo State. I think Governor Seyi Makinde needs people like that too”.
“In spite of all that, he won by thirty-two percent. Governor Makinde however needs to understand that the political atmosphere has changed”.
“There is nothing bad in identifying with the people but he needs to play his politics well.
For instance, what happens if there is economic recession and you are unable to fulfill all your obligations? You need people who will communicate your policies to the grassroots.”
Morohunkola, who noted that the politics of Oyo State is peculiar, faulted the way and manner the coalition that brought in the Governor was handled saying it shows weak political strategy.
He also faulted parties in the coalition who are making demands from the governor saying since they did not have a merger, there contract ends after the announcement of the election result.
Quoting “Wikipedia”, Morohunkola made reference to what happened in the second Republic when parties formed alliance to win the election at that time but said it is unfortunate the way the whole issue was handled.
ON TINUBU
The lawyer turned political strategist said the dissolution of the ZLP in Oyo State may not be unconnected with the presidential ambition of the former governor of Lagos State and a national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
“In the South-West, I am yet to see a politician with a clout that will match Tinubu but you know in the South-West, we run down ourselves”.
“Tinubu needs a strong base to actualize his dream. The decampment of Sharafadeen Alli to the APC may not be ordinary. Sharafadeen Alli is not an ordinary Politician. He became a local government Chairman at a tender age, he has been a Chief of Staff and Secretary to the State Government. He was the running mate to Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala in 2015 and so on. Don’t forget he turned down the offer to go to the Senate because his major concern is governorship”.
“Asiwaju needs an experienced Politician and so, Sharafadeen Alli’s name rings bell. He has had meetings with Asiwaju. He knows there is a serving governor in the PDP so, that may not be a good destination hence, the choice of the APC”.
As regards the list of those gunning for the governorship in the APC, Morohunkola noted that none of them is as experienced as Sharafadeen Alli.
“Things have changed from 2019. In 2023, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will be fighting his own battle too and so, he will not want to impose any Candidate rather, he will need experienced Politician.
“Okay, do you think the decampment of Gbenga Daniel to the APC in Ogun is ordinary? Iyiola Omisore is back to the APC in Osun. Give it to Tinubu, he is a master strategist.
He however observed that there is a ploy to victimised Tinubu in the APC because of his ambition. He stated that should he pushed out of the party as he alleged some forces are planning, the APC he noted will disintegrate and that it may give birth to a third force.
