The recent verbal assault by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on the Minister of Power and a top All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship hopeful, Adebayo Adelabu, has been labeled as an act of panic and desperation.
A Statement of Insecurity
This strong characterization came from Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister of Power. In a statement issued on 24 December 2025, Tunji argued that Governor Makinde's comments are a direct product of his own insecurity and fear. He stated that the governor's claims are not only without foundation but also expose his deep anxiety about the changing political dynamics in Oyo State.
Tunji elaborated that the governor has turned to personal attacks as his political fortunes appear to be declining. This shift is happening in the face of a resurgent and united opposition party, the APC, which now poses a significant threat to his administration.
The Collapse of a Political Strategy
The minister's aide provided a detailed analysis of the governor's perceived distress. "Governor Makinde's outburst is a projection of his own insecurities," the statement declared. It explained that his anger stems from the collapse of the political arithmetic that once worked in his favor.
Previously, the governor was able to exploit a divided APC to secure electoral victories. However, that advantage has now vanished. According to Tunji, the APC in Oyo State is now fully united, stronger, and driven by a clear purpose. This newfound unity, which consolidates around influential figures like Adebayo Adelabu, Senator Teslim Folarin, and Florence Ajimobi, has effectively dismantled what the governor saw as his only reliable path to winning elections.
Adelabu's Rising Influence and a Personal Grudge
The statement highlighted that Governor Makinde's fear has been particularly heightened by the growing influence of Adebayo Adelabu. This is a figure the governor had previously dismissed as lacking capacity. Tunji pointed out that key allies of the governor are now steadily moving to support Adelabu's camp, signaling a significant shift in political loyalty.
Furthermore, Tunji suggested that the governor's political anxiety is fueled by a lingering personal resentment. He claimed that Makinde has not recovered from the embarrassment of having his own ministerial nominee rejected by the Presidency. The federal government ultimately chose Adebayo Adelabu for the ministerial position, a decision that reportedly continues to rankle the governor.
This episode underscores the intense political rivalry and realignments taking shape in Oyo State as the next election cycle approaches, with the opposition APC presenting a more formidable and cohesive front than ever before.
