It is believed that for Governor Seyi Makinde, navigating through coalition is not as worrisome as sailing through the waves of internal rejection that awaits him in Oyo PDP, which could endanger his political standing in the governorship election.
It is said that “If one’s death doesn’t come within his residence, external forces would not be lethal,” so Governor Makinde would ultimately need the backing of the state PDP, many of whom he failed to establish a solid romance with before the elections. As a result of his self acclaimed policy of redefining political leadership and governance in the state, he has lost grace with many PDP elders and stalwarts. Some of them, like a former deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Azeem Gbolarumi, former Minister of Special Duties, Elder Wole Oyelese, among numerous others, have either decamped to other parties or remained passive towards his course.
In the just concluded presidential poll, Tinubu polled 449, 884 to beat his closest rival, Atiku Abubakar of the PDP who polled 182, 977. Labour Party came third with 99, 110 votes, Accord Party had 39,514 votes, while the NNPP scored 4,095 votes. The APC also won the three senatorial districts and a good number of the 14 House of Representatives seats in the state. Indeed, the successes could be a harbinger of his fall.
There are allegations that some of the National Assembly aspirants whose victories were botched are fuming and threatening to work against Makinde, who they perceive as being behind their ordeal.
Premised on the omoluabi (gentlemanly) sentiments, Makinde could be applauded, especially after his subtle accreditation of Tinubu has become more pronounced than the overall efforts of the state’s APC factors. But analysts have argued that his omoluabi gesture has rather endangered his political chances come March 11.
With the successes recorded by his major opposition, Makinde’s body language seems to have changed. Presently, the PDP is increasing its media awareness campaign on how to identify and vote for the party.
He is rechanneling his energy in coordinating alliances and fence mending with aggrieved PDP House of Assembly candidates who lost out in the election.
It is also noteworthy that no congratulatory message has emanated from his quarters, more than 24 hours after Tinubu became president-elect.
On paper, Makinde looks good to retain his position because of a number of landmark achievements and the recent display of omoluabi gesture, which appeals to the sensibilities of the common Ibadan man, but the outcome of the March 11 polls could still be as unforeseen as a surprise.
It is believed that the remaining elections would be won on the power of negotiation, fence mending, bridge building and other weighty factors.
Culled from Daily Trust.
