Why Many Eyes Are On Seyi Makinde In Ondo Guber Election

The Ondo State gubernatorial election is underway.

The election, taking place today, Saturday, November 16, 2024, has seen four individuals rated as strong contenders.

They are re-election-seeking Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Akingboye Benson Bamidele of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Ayodele Festus Olorunfemi of the Labour Party (LP).

There are also those who believe Gbenga Edema of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) should be listed among those likely to win today’s gubernatorial election.

However, there is a bigger focus on Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, because of the role he is playing behind the scenes.

Makinde, dubbed the shining light of the PDP in the Southwest, is the “chief strategist” for his party’s gubernatorial candidate, Ajayi.

“Makinde is the brain of the Ajayi campaign outside the state, without taking away from the hard work that has helped the gubernatorial candidate rise through the ranks from a local government councilor to a political force in Ondo,” sources say.

The Oyo State Governor’s deep involvement is such that the main situation room of the PDP for the Ondo election is situated in his state.

“What they have in Ondo is a basic situation room; the comprehensive one is in Oyo,” according to insiders.

Makinde’s pivotal role is complemented by that of Osun State Governor Ademola Jackson Adeleke.

They are pooling resources against an intimidating ruling APC team marshaled by the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Ganduje and the crew—which includes Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole—are seeking to replicate the September 21, 2024, Edo State gubernatorial victory in their emphatic backing of Governor Aiyedatiwa.

“But the thing is that Makinde is taking the election very seriously, and he has been involved in the process right from when Agboola was an aspirant. He is seen as very vested and is taking this election very personally. So all eyes are on him, on whether he will get the better of the more high-profile APC with an Agboola win or not,” observers say.

The Oyo State Governor, who is rated as the most influential PDP governor in the Southwest, is decorated with talks of a presidential ambition. A win for his party in the Ondo gubernatorial election would further bolster his standing.