Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde on Thursday attributed the defection of politicians from one party to another in Nigeria to lack of clear political ideology by political parties in the country.
He stated this while speaking at the public presentation of a book titled “Omituntun’s Political Ideology of Governor Seyi Makinde,” held at the State Local Government Staff Training School Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Makinde, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju emphasized that one of the major problems confronting Nigerian politics is the lack of ideological foundation among political parties.
“One of the things that trouble our politics is the absence of ideology. All our parties are almost one and the same. That is why it is so convenient for politicians to migrate from one to the other—at night it is ABC, in the morning SDP, and by afternoon ADC—because there is no ideology,” he said.
According to him, even though Governor Makinde might not have deliberately set out to create a distinct political ideology, his actions, policies, and governance style over the years have evolved into one that is easily recognizable and impactful.
“Governor Makinde’s actions are predictable, and that’s what defines ideology. You know what to expect from Republicans in the U.S., and from Democrats.
“But in Nigeria, what can you expect from a typical politician? That’s what the Governor is trying to change. It’s not politics for power’s sake, it’s politics for impact. It’s governance for the good of the people,” he added.
He noted that the governor’s approach to governance has been driven by the desire to create meaningful and measurable impact, not for personal or political gain.
“Sometimes the one making the impact doesn’t even realize how deep it goes. But Makinde’s leadership has redefined what governance should mean in this state,” Olanrewaju concluded.
Chairman of the occasion, Dr Yemi Farounbi who lauded Governor Makinde’s visionary leadership style,described uim as a rare breed of leaders who is committed to public service.
He described the governor’s leadership as a model of responsive governance, emphasizing that progress depends on collective responsibility.
“Every citizen has a role to play in building a better Oyo State. Leadership is not the governor’s burden alone; it is a shared responsibility that begins with all of us,” Farounbi said.
Similarly , Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Nureni Adeniran, and the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdul-Ganiy Agbotomokekere, praised the governor for his remarkable strides across different sectors.
They commended Makinde for his inclusive governance style, especially in education, interreligious harmony, and socioeconomic development.
The Chief Imam particularly lauded the governor’s fairness and generosity to the Muslim community, noting that despite being a Christian, Makinde has remained “the most friendly and magnanimous” to Muslims in the state, even facilitating the construction of magnificent mosques.
Earlier in his review of the book, Mr. Wale Adewumi described Governor Makinde as “a pragmatic leader and a face of good governance in Nigeria.”
He said the publication reflects the heart of a transformational leader and serves as both a mirror and a guide for future generations.
“The book doesn’t just document policies; it captures the spirit of a leader who governs with integrity, unity, and service. It challenges others to lead with the same sense of purpose,” Adewumi said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Author, Babatunde Osumah said Governor Makinde has showcased leadership qualities through the Omitutun political ideology that should be emulated by successive administrations
He explained that the publication seeks to document and analyse the “Omituntun ideology,” which he described as a framework built on renewal, progress, and people-oriented reforms.
“Omituntun is not just a slogan; it is a living ideology that continues to shape Oyo State’s journey toward inclusive growth and social justice,” Osumah said.
