The Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde has advised opposition in the upcoming gubernatorial elections to disregard talks about coalition, noting that it would be an exercise in futility.
The governor, who advised the opposition to stop dreaming, boasted that he remains a candidate to beat in the coming general election.
Makinde added that 2023 was no more about laying the solid foundation for a prosperous Oyo State but to consolidate on the gains of the already laid foundation tagged ‘Omituntun 2.0’ by the present administration.
He made the declaration yesterday during 2022 mega praise and end of the year thanksgiving themed: “Hallelujah,” held at the Government House Arcade, Agodi Ibadan.
The event attracted dignitaries from different walks of life including state government functionaries, top political stalwarts and other guests.
Opposition parties in the state have secretly commenced coalition talks ahead of the 2023 governorship election in a bid to oust Governor Makinde from office.
The report was further confirmed by the statement credited to the 2023 governorship candidate of Accord, Bayo Adelabu, who was reported to have told journalists at a press conference in Ibadan, that except opposition parties were willing to enter a coalition to form a united front, it would be tough to defeat the incumbent, Governor Makinde at the 2023 polls.
Makinde, while speaking at the mega praise, said he felt unbothered about the plans of the opposition to form a coalition to onstage him from the Agodi Government House in 2023, urging them to think of something else to do.
Speaking further, Governor Makinde said, as an engineer by profession, his work is to build, unlike an architect that draws, telling the oppositions to stop dreaming.
He, therefore, maintained that soon, the roadmap for sustainability development of the state from 2023 to 2027 and beyond will be communicated to the people.
Makinde, while making inference to Psalm 65 verse 5 to allay fears in the minds of the people of the state, assured that good governance under his leadership will continue in the Pace Setter state beyond 2023.
He said: “Those praying for the oppositions should engage in other prayer points for them, because they have already missed their ways.
“We have already laid the foundation to turn things around in Oyo State. 2023 is about consolidating on the foundation we have laid.
“In a couple of days, we will release our road map for sustainable development in Oyo State from 2023 to 2027 and beyond.
“I don’t want you to be afraid, because it is God’s finished project and we have handed everything to God. And according to His words in Psalm 69 V 5, we shall not be put to shame. Good work will continue in Oyo State,” Makinde assured.