Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has publicly declared his full support for the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iliya Damagun, and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
This statement comes amid internal tensions within the PDP over Damagun’s continued leadership.
Makinde made his position clear during the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Addressing concerns about leadership disputes within the PDP, the governor urged members of the party to put aside their differences and focus on unity.
He stated that now is not the time for internal conflicts, especially with the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
“I am 100 percent with the Iliya Damagun-led NWC,” Makinde declared.
“We need to focus on the task at hand, which is delivering our candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the Edo governorship election this Saturday.”
Makinde added that he had been discussing matters with Damagun and assured the acting chairman of his unwavering support.
His remarks were also seen as a response to rumors circulating about his absence from the final campaign rally in Edo State.
“People have been talking about my absence at the campaign finale, but let me assure you, I stand fully behind our candidate,” Makinde said.
He urged all members of the PDP to rally around Ighodalo, describing him as the best candidate for Edo’s future.
He also urged Edo voters to support Ighodalo, saying, “If Edo people want something truly nutritious, they should vote for Asue Ighodalo.”
Makinde’s intervention is timely, as the PDP faces internal challenges, with some members reportedly holding alternative meetings in Bauchi to discuss Damagun’s leadership.
Governor Makinde called for peace and cooperation within the party, emphasizing that internal discord should not overshadow the party’s goals.
“This is not the right time to have issues with ourselves,” he stated. “Let us all rally around and deliver our candidate on Saturday.”
Makinde’s Infrastructure Push
Beyond party politics, the event also highlighted Makinde’s commitment to upgrading Oyo State’s infrastructure.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of a major project to transform the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport into an international hub.
Makinde justified the decision to prioritize the airport upgrade, despite some criticisms about its relevance during a time of economic hardship.
He explained that the decision was based on data and analysis, which showed that the airport’s upgrade would position Ibadan as a regional business hub.
The first phase of the project has been awarded to Craneburg Construction Limited at a cost of N41 billion.
Makinde tasked the committee responsible for the airport upgrade, chaired by Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi, with completing the project within 12 months.
“We are thinking ahead, and this airport will bring economic growth to Ibadan and the entire South West region,” he stated.
Presumptive Tax Bill Suspended
Makinde also used the occasion to address concerns surrounding the recently passed Presumptive Tax bill.
The Oyo State House of Assembly passed the bill last week, which aims to tax individuals and entities whose incomes cannot be easily determined due to a lack of financial records.
Makinde acknowledged the importance of expanding the state’s internally generated revenue but said the timing was not right for implementing the new tax law.
“I will sign the bill into law, but we will not implement it for now,” Makinde said.
“We understand the hardships our people are facing. Now is not the time to burden them with more taxes.”
He explained that the state government is committed to policies that leave money in the pockets of its citizens, allowing them to spend it where it is most needed.
Dignitaries and Stakeholders Support Airport Project
The groundbreaking event for the airport upgrade drew a host of dignitaries, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, PDP acting national chairman Iliya Damagun, and several members of the NWC.
In his remarks, Governor Adeleke expressed his excitement about the project and its potential to transform Ibadan.
He noted that the city, which serves as the political capital of the South West, had long been overdue for an international airport.
“An international airport in Ibadan will bring tremendous opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment,” Adeleke said.
Members of the airport upgrade committee, Mr. Victor Ajiboye and Kabir Mohammed, provided an overview of the project.
The scope of the work includes extending the runway shoulders, improving the fire bay, constructing a new cargo terminal, upgrading the MRO hangar, and increasing the fuel storage capacity.
The airport will also feature new parking lots, enhanced airside facilities, and a larger apron to accommodate more aircraft.
According to Ajiboye and Mohammed, the long-term vision is to create a facility capable of handling international flights, which will reduce congestion at Lagos’ Murtala Mohammed Airport.
This upgrade is expected to ease travel and position Ibadan as a strategic economic hub in the region.
