Adebisi Iyabo
Oyo State Governor and Allied People’s Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Engineer Seyi Makinde says he remains firmly in the race for Nigeria’s presidency, dismissing speculations that he would withdraw in favour of another candidate.
In a newsletter to address the residents of Oyo State, he said he did not enter the contest to step down but to offer Nigerians a credible alternative.
Reaffirming his presidential ambition, the governor mentioned his determination to continue his campaign despite political pressures and speculation, insisting that he remains committed to offering the country a credible choice in the next presidential election.
He explained that Nigerians deserve leaders who would uphold the rule of law, strengthen public institutions, improve security and provide people-centred governance.
Governor Makinde assured residents that his administration is strengthening security in vulnerable communities, improving intelligence gathering and enhancing the protection of schools.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies or through the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615.
Speaking on the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Ibadan involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Governor Makinde said the state government approached the court to seek judicial clarification after the commission requested records of all government contracts and contractor payments from 2021 without identifying any specific transaction or allegation under investigation.
According to the governor, the court affirmed the EFCC’s constitutional powers to investigate financial crimes but ruled that such powers must be exercised within the confines of the law.
The governor maintained that the judgment was not a victory against the EFCC but a victory for the rule of law and due process.
He stressed that his administration has never opposed lawful investigations but believes that accountability must be evidence-based and conducted in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Edited by Olatunji Idowu
Follow us on Telegram and YouTube, and join our WhatsApp Update Group for more updates.
