Osun Governor Begs Makinde for Forgiveness Over PDP Crisis

Ilesanmi AdekanbiAugust 7, 2023

2 minutes read

The governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has paid a surprise visit to his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, to seek his forgiveness and support over the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The visit, which took place last Friday at the Oyo State Government House Lodge in Abuja, was aimed at resolving the differences between the two governors and their factions within the party.

It will be recalled that Makinde was one of the five PDP governors who did not back the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 election. Instead, he supported an opposition candidate and campaigned against Atiku in the South-West region.

On the other hand, Adeleke was the South-West regional coordinator of the PDP campaign and a loyalist of Atiku, who had endorsed his governorship bid in 2022.

According to sources close to the governors, Adeleke visited Makinde to plead with him for forgiveness and endorsement for his preferred candidate to replace the late National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the party, Hon Soji Adagunodo. Adeleke reportedly has three names in mind, out of which he will choose one to represent the party in the region.

The sources also revealed that Adeleke went on his knees to beg Makinde for forgiveness behind closed doors.

They said that Adeleke apologized for any wrong he might have done to Makinde and asked him to forget the past and work together for the unity and progress of the party.

However, some Atiku loyalists in Osun State were not happy with Adeleke’s visit and gesture.

They said that Adeleke had demeaned himself and betrayed the people of Osun by begging Makinde, who they accused of working against Atiku’s presidential ambition.

They also said that Makinde had no right to interfere in the affairs of Osun PDP and that Adeleke should have consulted them before making such a move.

It remains to be seen whether Makinde will support Adeleke’s candidate for the position of National Vice Chairman (South-West).

However, the visit is a sign that the two governors are trying to mend their relationship and work together to rebuild the PDP in the South-West.

Though, the visit by Adeleke to Makinde has raised eyebrows among political observers and analysts.

Some see it as a sign of reconciliation and maturity, while others see it as a sign of desperation and weakness. The outcome of the visit and its implications for the PDP in the South-West remains to be seen.