A coalition of aggrieved aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State who contested in the 2023 general elections has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently address what they describe as long-standing grievances stemming from unfulfilled promises and perceived marginalization.
In a statement issued on Friday and jointly signed by the group’s coordinator, Hon. Hammed Taoreed Lucky, and secretary, Hon. Olanrewaju Afees Basorun, the aspirants expressed deep dissatisfaction over Governor Makinde’s alleged failure to honor commitments made to them in the lead-up to the elections.
According to the group, Governor Makinde, at the Government House’s meeting on December 22, 2022, assured them of certain compensatory and reconciliatory measures following the party’s internal primaries and candidate selections. However, they lamented that nearly two years later, those assurances remain unfulfilled.
“We are compelled to express our profound disappointment and frustration over the perceived lack of equity, fairness, and the non-implementation of promises made by Governor Seyi Makinde,” the statement read. “These assurances were made in good faith, but to date, they have not been honored, leaving many of us disillusioned and sidelined.”
The aspirants urged the governor to take immediate steps to address the lingering issues, emphasizing the need for fairness, inclusiveness, and justice in treating all PDP aspirants and members across the state.
They also raised concerns about the toll the situation has taken on their members, noting that some had died while waiting for promised support, while others are currently battling health challenges linked to emotional and psychological stress.
“This unfortunate neglect has taken a heavy toll on our members. We implore Governor Makinde to act swiftly on our demands to prevent further distress and to restore confidence in the party’s leadership and internal democracy,” they stated.
The group reiterated its commitment to the PDP’s progress but stressed that genuine reconciliation and inclusive governance are crucial for strengthening the party ahead of future political engagements.
They called on the governor to demonstrate political will and integrity by honoring his word, assuring that doing so would reinforce loyalty among party members and promote unity within the party.
The statement was jointly endorsed by the following members:
Hon. Kabiru Odeyemi Ajibola, Hon. Taiwo Oyelakin, Hon. Lukman Arowossye, Hon. Oloya Hammed, Hon. Olanrewaju Peter Adesina, Hon. Olatunji Akeem Oladejo, Hon. Olaide Adija Adedeji, Hon. Kobiowu Aminat, Hon. Gafari Olanipekun, Hon. Rahaman, Hon. Akeem Omotosho, Hon. Akinloye Abiola Yerima, Hon. Kamoru Olatunbosun, Hon. Aare Oyedijo Oluwasegun, Hon. Tayo Babalola, Hon. Abass Fawole, Hon. Wasiu Oba, Hon. Kaseem Oyepeju, Hon. Leye Ogunwole, Hon. Olumide Adeniyi, Hon. Oludele Adetunji, Hon. Pst. Mrs. Abike, Hon. Olowookere Adewale, Hon. Stephen Adedayo, Hon. Sunday Babatunde, Hon. Ganiyu Sarafadeen, Hon. Barr. Santos Aderemi, Hon. Mujidat Bello, Hon. Afolabi Idris Aloma, Hon. Ayoade Olusegun, Hon. Baruwa Abiodun, Hon. Header, Hon. Kolawole Ibarapa, Hon. Omo Sheu, Hon. Omolaja Sodiq, Hon. Odedele Sunday Onireason, Hon. Sheriff Adesina, Hon. Wasiu Coach, Hon. Olabode Adeniyi, Hon. Wale Ajala, Hon. Wale Karrem, Hon. Kemi Oluyole, Hon. Kaseem Oshoniyi, Hon. Mogaji Adegbola Adewusi, among others.
