Ibadan, Nigeria – In a passionate and strategic call for national transformation, Honorable Wasiu Nurudeen, popularly known as Obaaro, has publicly endorsed the presidential ambition of Engineer Seyi Makinde, the current Governor of Oyo State. Speaking at the recently concluded PDP South-West Zonal Congress held at Emeritus Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, UCH, Ibadan, Hon. Nurudeen emphasized that Governor Makinde’s exceptional performance at the state level signals a promising future for Nigeria.
According to Hon. Nurudeen, Makinde’s administration has brought unprecedented development across critical sectors such as health, employment, agriculture, security, stomach infrastructure , and inclusive governance. Particularly notable is his commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities — a demographic often neglected in national policies.
“Governor Makinde has transformed Oyo State into a model of good governance,” said Nurudeen. “Imagine what he could do for Nigeria if given the chance. His performance is a shining example of what leadership should look like.”
He praised the efforts of Honorable Ayodele Adekanbi, Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Persons With Disabilities, under whose leadership Makinde has empowered numerous persons with disabilities through political appointments and employment across various state institutions, including the Civil Service Commission, SUBEB, TESCOM, and the health sector.
“There is no doubt that, unlike the current APC administration with all it’s promises failed, Governor Makinde will prioritize persons with disabilities at the national level,” Nurudeen stated. “That’s why I urge all Nigerians, especially persons with disabilities, to rally behind him.”
Nurudeen also encouraged Governor Makinde to intensify his efforts, assuring him of his unwavering support in actualizing his presidential bid. “I’m ready to go to any length to make this dream a reality,” he said.
Addressing members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he called for unity and strategic planning to avoid repeating the political missteps of 2003, when South-West governors allegedly lost their positions after backing the then-president’s re-election.
“I appeal to all Yoruba leaders — this is the real ‘Omo eni kii shedi bebere, ka fi ileke si idi omo elomiran’,” Nurudeen declared, invoking a Yoruba proverb meaning, “Do not overlook your own child while praising another’s.” He argued that the time has come for Nigeria to embrace a tested and trusted leader like Makinde, capable of rescuing the country from its current socio-economic and political challenges.
As Nigeria looks ahead to the next presidential election cycle, Honorable Nurudeen’s passionate endorsement adds to the growing discourse on leadership and the need for inclusive, visionary governance.
Let’s Think Clearly Before We Divide Our House
In these trying times, it’s understandable that people are yearning for bold leadership and real change. Yet, we must pause and reflect before pushing leaders into roles that may not best serve the moment. Governor Seyi Makinde (GSM) is, without doubt, a shining example of pragmatic leadership and strategic thinking. Right now, he appears far better positioned for a Senatorial seat, where his influence and experience can be more directly leveraged for the benefit of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
Yes, the nation is hard. The challenges are real. But if GSM holds viable solutions, then he should be encouraged to draw closer to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) — not to rebel, but to advise, to contribute, and to collaborate for the progress of our shared nation.
Let us not be swayed by partisan puppeteers or opportunistic power-seekers — the shape-shifting sycophants who care nothing for the people but everything for their own cold, calculated interests. These are the same individuals who stoke division, disguising mischief as activism.
Have we forgotten that GSM and PBAT hail from the same progressive household? A house divided against itself cannot stand. We must protect the unity of this house and prioritize the long-term good of the people over fleeting political gains.
Let’s channel our energies toward unity, clarity, and purpose — not rebellion for rebellion’s sake. Now is the time to think, not just react.
By J. Teju Ige