Mr Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu has declared that he is the most qualified and the best positioned to succeed Governor ‘Seyi Makinde and govern Oyo State from 2027.
Oladimeji Segelu, an aspirant seeking to contest the 2027 governorship election on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the declaration during an interactive session with newsmen in Ibadan, on Wednesday.
He said, as a young man still under the age of 50 and, given his long years of commitment to the PDP, he stands a better chance of getting the party’s ticket, in line with the age limit bar set by Governor Makinde for his would-be successor.
He added that his political experience as a former appointee in the National Assembly, his international connections and exposure positioned him as the most qualified person to succeed the governor in 2027.
“Our performing Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has given his word on age limitation and he has promised us level playing field. I believe in him.
“I am the most qualified to succeed our dear governor. I am the best for the governorship seat. My life has been dedicated to serving the people and the community.I have been very supportive of my people at the grassroots level, over the years.
“Nobody else is more qualified than me for the job in 2027. I believe that Governor Makinde is a man of his word. This would influence the choice of the best candidate to succeed him in 2027,” he said.
The PDP governorship aspirant, the son of Chief Akintola Oladimeji (Segelu), a member of the House of Representatives who was murdered in 2007, said he would consolidate on the numerous achievements of Governor Makinde, if elected in 2027.
The younger Oladimeji said his desire to be the governor is not a happenstance. He said his adventure in politics is a journey propelled by the legacies of his late father in seeking to make meaningful impacts on the state and its people.
“My late father was a very strong PDP member from 1998 till he was murdered in 2007. My late father brought the PDP to Oyo State; he was the first chairman of the party in Oyo State,” he added.
The former Personal Assistant to a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Dimeji Bankole, applauded the socio-economic and infrastructural strides of the Governor Makinde administration in the state.
Oladimeji Segelu also said he would build on the foundation laid by the governor who he said has created an enabling environment for youths to play active roles in politics, both at the state and at the national level.
He described Makinde as a man of honour whose style of leadership is worthy of emulation and who, having set an age limit for his would-be successor, has demonstrated a strong belief in the ability of youths to lead the state from 2027.
Oladimeji Segelu, a graduate of Political Science and International Relations, said his administration, if elected, will work in line with the development agenda of the present administration in the state.
He assured that he will build on the development plan of Governor Makinde to further prioritise agriculture, infrastructure, economic advancement, health, social welfare, transportation and human capacity development.
“My life has been shaped by profound experiences, including the loss of my father- a man who dedicated his life to serving our people. His legacy inspires me to follow in his footsteps and make a meaningful impact in our communities.
“I may not be the wealthiest or the most experienced candidate, but my youthfulness and determination equip me to tackle the challenges ahead. I am committed to building upon the foundation laid by the current administration under our leader, Governor Makinde.
“With my educational background in Political Science and diverse professional experience in sectors like ICT, engineering and agriculture, I am uniquely positioned to lead Oyo State into a greater era of prosperity.
“My time as a political appointee in the National Assembly, Abuja has provided me with invaluable insights, fueling my passion for effective governance.
“My vision for Oyo State is a mission- to prioritise agriculture, infrastructure, economic advancement, health, social welfare, transportation, and human capacity development.
“I aim to establish robust institutions that will further empower our people and foster independence from federal allocations.
“Security of life and property and social welfare and reducing political violence to the barest minimum level are very important and they will be key parts of my agenda.
“There is a general saying that he who feels it, knows it. I have been a victim of political violence. I will not allow what they did to my late father to happen to other people under my watch.
“You will notice that when we were facing security challenges in Oyo State and in the entire South-West, our governors came together and established Amotekun and this has been helping us in the fight against insecurity.
“In Oyo State, we will continue on the trend. We will consolidate on the efforts of the government of Engr. Seyi Makinde to ensure that our people continue to enjoy peace in the state.
“In terms of economic prosperity, one major area that I will concentrate on is agriculture, an area in which Governor Makinde has performed wonderfully well.
“One of the achievements of Governor Makinde is the Fasola Farm Hub. We will also consolidate on that to ensure food security in the state,” he said
Oladimeji Segelu called for the support of the youth, women, leaders and members of the PDP for the realisation of his governorship ambition.
“As we embark on this journey together, I want to emphasize the importance of unity and purpose for the transformation for our beloved Oyo State.
“Let us build a narrative of hope, empowerment and progress together. I look forward to collaborating with each of you as we strive for a better tomorrow for our people,” Oladimeji Segelu added.
