BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS

Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has thrown a fresh political challenge at Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, urging him to abandon his current political platform and join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Goronyo made the call on Monday at the flag-off ceremony for the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu Road in Ogun State, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun. Makinde, who has been linked with a possible presidential bid ahead of the 2027 general election, was conspicuously absent from the ceremony.

The minister said Makinde’s defection to the APC would give Oyo State a stronger connection to the Federal Government and position the state to benefit more fully from the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He described the APC as the “natural” political platform through which Oyo could align itself with the Federal Government.

“I therefore warmly welcome and openly invite His Excellency the Governor of Oyo State, Mr Engineer Seyi Makinde, to take the natural giant step into the All Progressives Congress, the APC,” Goronyo said.

“Come and align Oyo State fully with the centre under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Goronyo also praised Governor Abiodun for what he described as his contributions to the development of Ogun State and the wider South-West, declaring that infrastructure development was gathering momentum under the APC-led Federal Government. “The central train of development is moving fast under our progressive banner,” he said.

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The minister’s appeal comes amid intensifying political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with Makinde reportedly exploring a presidential ambition on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). His political calculations have continued to attract attention as opposition and ruling-party politicians reposition themselves for the next electoral battle.

The Ibadan-Ijebu Road dualisation project, which links major commercial centres in Oyo and Ogun states, is expected to enhance regional connectivity, stimulate trade and reduce travel time along the strategic corridor. Among the dignitaries at the event were Works Minister Dave Umahi, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele and the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.