Gubernatorial hopeful and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Aare Olayinka Segelu, has issued a strong but measured response to comments made by fellow aspirant, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, during his recent visit to the His Imperial Majesty, Ikú Bàbá Yèyé, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1.
Ajadi, while seeking royal blessings for his 2027 governorship ambition, had stated that he was embarking on a mission “to restore development, unity and prosperity to our people.”
But Segelu, in a statement on Wednesday, said such a comment does not reflect the true situation in Oyo State, as development under the current PDP administration is not lost, it is thriving.
Segelu, who acknowledged Ajadi’s recent entry into the PDP, commended his visit to the Alaafin but emphasized the need for aspirants to communicate with accuracy, fairness and responsibility.
“While I commend my brother, Amb. Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, for his consultation with the Alaafin and for offering himself for service, it is important that we communicate our aspirations with clarity and fairness,” Segelu said.
“In Oyo State today, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, development is not something waiting to be restored, it is already happening, visible, measurable and widely acknowledged across all zones of the state.”
Segelu highlighted the transformation achieved by the Makinde administration across critical sectors, infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, energy, workers’ welfare, industrial growth, and security, insisting these gains cannot be downplayed for political soundbites.
According to him, PDP aspirants should project continuity, consolidation and expansion, not narratives that suggest a reversal or decay.
“As aspirants on the same PDP platform, our responsibility is to assure the people of Oyo State of continuity and deepening of the remarkable progress already delivered by this administration,” he stated.
“We are not restoring development; we are advancing it.”
Segelu reaffirmed that his own governorship ambition is rooted in strengthening Makinde’s legacy, not rewriting it.
“My vision is to build on Governor Makinde’s achievements, strengthen state institutions, expand youth empowerment, accelerate economic growth, and ensure that every community feels the impact of government,” Segelu said.
“This is the message of unity, progress and responsible leadership that our great party, the PDP, stands for as we move towards 2027.”
He urged all PDP aspirants to maintain cohesion, discipline and factual communication, noting that the 2027 elections will demand a united party backed by performance, truth and continuity.