Following his dismal performance in the last governorship election in Oyo State, what does the future hold politically for the flag bearer of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the contest, Mr. Seyi Makinde? JEREMIAH OKE looks at the journey so far for the young electrical engineer.
AFTER his failed bid to govern Oyo State, what next for the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during the last general elections, Mr. Seyi Makinde? He finished fifth, behind Governor Abiola Ajimobi, former Governor Rashidi Ladoja of Accord Party, former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of the Labour Party and Senator Teslim Folarin of People Democratic Party (PDP).
In spite of his enthusiasm, this is not the first time the maverick, young electrical engineer would fail to make impact at the polls. He has suffered many political setbacks under the current dispensation. In 2007, he contested the Oyo South Senatorial seat under the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), but lost the seat to the PDP candidate, Senator Kamorudeen Adedibu. In 2011, Makinde, who had defected to the then ruling party in the state earlier, participated in the primary for the Senate. But, he did not receive the nomination form from his party. In 2014, police raided his offices, which led to the arrest of several members of his campaign team. Makinde decried such arrest and described it as intimidation tactics against his election run. In 2015, he moved to the SDP, following his inability to clinch the governorship ticket of the PDP.
With his passion to help the poor and the needy in society, observers believe Makinde, would have done better politically if he had started from the grassroots. When he entered politics in 2007, he sought to go to the Senate, on the platform of the defunct ANPP. Similarly, he was contested for the senatorial ticket of the PDP in 2011. In spite of his unsuccessful bid for the Senate, he joined the race to govern the state during the last general elections.
From all indications, the accomplished electrical engineer is a political neophyte; considering how politics is practiced in Nigeria, especially in the PDP – the party through which he originally sought to govern the state. He has not been consistent with one political platform. He has also been overly ambitious; if he had started from the House of Representatives, in a bigger political platform, his political career would have blossomed.
A political scientist and Special Assistant to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Dr. Gbade Ojo, said Makinde can only achieve his dream if he belongs to the right party. He said: “Platform is a big issue in Nigerian politics. Whatever Makinde wants to do, he should start from identifying with a party that has the structure and credibility to win elections. Secondly, he has to remain consistent, by resisting the temptation to jump from one party to the other.
“He has to start now and position himself, because permutation starts in the next one and half years. No matter how good you are, if you belong to the wrong party, you cannot win election in Nigeria. But, even if you don’t have experience in Nigeria and you belong to the right party, you will win election. So, the first hurdle for him is to identify the right party and become an active member. “
Similarly, spokesman of the Labour Party in Oyo, Mr. Oludare Ogunlana, urged Makinde to have a base and be consistent where he belongs. He said: “Makinde is a popular candidate. He has the potentials of even becoming the president of Nigeria. All he needs to do is to have a base and remain consistent. He is a young man and he should be more focused in youth development. Makinde is representing our generation.
“Belonging to a credible political platform is very important for any ambitious politician. So, he should work on his platform. Going by his performance in the last election, Makinde was able to deliver his ward, unlike Folarin who messed up his ticket. If Makinde had accepted his senatorial ticket, he could have won and that would have prepared him for his governorship ambition. Makinde is young, exposed, and vibrant. If he could move to a credible party; he is a future governor.
“Makinde should also mend fences with some of his senior political colleagues. If you want to win election in Ogbomoso, for instance, you must not fight with somebody like the former governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala.”
A senior lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, the Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, who pleaded for anonymity said out of the five factors that contribute to electoral victory, as far as the governorship election is concerned, Makinde has four in his disposal. He therefore urged him to work on the remaining one. The journalism teacher and political analyst argued that if Makinde returns to the PDP, he cannot achieve his dream of becoming governor in the nearest future.

My advise for the young man is to learn to be a follower.A good follower will surely be a good leader in the future.Lam Adesina followed Awo for so long before his turn came.Ladoja has been a follower before his opportunity came.Ajimobis father followed Bola Ige for so long and prayed for his sons turn one day as told by late chief Dejo Raimi, Ajimobi himself carefully followed until his turn came.There is no Abuja in politics.I sincerely advice Seyi to support a party where he will take time to follow the elders and one day his turn too will come.I wish him well.

Seyi is still young, he can still rule Oyo state later. After all, Ajimobi didnt win the first time he contested(2011).

Did you said young one's? Hmmm, how old was muritala when he became the president, Awolowo, Azikwe, Balewa and so on when they fought for our independent from the white beast?

I don't usually talk much on Monday, EKO O NI GBAGBA KUGBA

Femolacaster:
Seyi is still young, he can still rule Oyo state later. After all, Ajimobi didnt win the first time he contested(2011).

No controversy, Makinde is an ideal man!
His rightful place is not the party where only one man is the fortune of the platform. His focus should not only be limited to becoming the governor but afterward becoming a reckoned with National figure.
Makinde needs a party that has national spread. This is what what will shoot him to the global political scene where he belongs.

He's young and energetic but at d same time a Father Christmas, he spends money with reckless abandon...That said, if opinion of the people @d moment is anything to go by then i believe his chances of been the next governor is very very high...

olatunji21:
He's young and energetic but at d same time a Father Christmas, he spends money with reckless abandon...That said, if opinion of the people @d moment is anything to go by then i believe his chances of been the next governor is very very high...

I ADMIRED HIS OMOLUABINISM......