Makinde’s GAC Meets PDP Governorship Aspirants Ahead of 2027 Primaries

…As Nine hopefuls already interfaced as consultations continue

As moment heats up ahead of the primaries of political parties in the state, the Governor Seyi Makinde’s Advisory Council (GAC) has invited all the aspirants jostling to take over the mantle of leadership from the governor in 2027 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to appear before it.

The invitation, it was gathered is to allow for an ‘interraction’ with all the aspirants to present and discuss their plans and programmes for the state in their desire for the Agodi Government House job.

The interraction, led by the Chairman of the Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, it was gathered aimed at creating a level playing field for all the aspirants to present their ideas and visions, before the Council, ahead of rhe party primary.

Some of the aspirants whonhave appeared before the Council include: Hon Adedeji Olajide (Odidiomo), Dr. Nureni Adeniran, Bimbo Adekanmbi, Debo Akande and Debo Ogundoyin among others.

It was gathered that the exercise is aimed at evaluating the credentials, experience, and acceptability of the aspirants as PDP prepares to present a strong candidate for the governorship race. The process is also expected to help foster internal consensus within the party.

Speaking with The Nation on phone, Chairman of GAC, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde said the effort is not to screen any candidate, but rather to have an interraction with them to know the plans they have for the state.

He confirmed that the exercise which started on Saturday has seen nine aspirants interacted with the Council by the close of the day.

He added that, although the exercise has been rigorous and painstaking, some other individuals are expected to meet the Council on Monday for further discussions.

The Learned Silk said, “It is not a screening exercise. It is an interraction between the Governors Advisory Council and the aspirants. We don’t want a situation whereby there will be any form of imposition from any quarter.

“With the cooperation of the Governor, the Advisory Council, which I am the Chairman is interracting with all the aspirants, just to know their plans for the state.

“Because of that, we have invited all of them and they have responded to us individually. They are fantastic aspirants.”

The legal luminary expressed optimism that the governor will still engage other stakeholders including party chieftains, traditional rulers amongst others to seek their views before any candidate would emerge, so as to avoid a situation whereby the party’s choice would be rejected by the people.

He reiterated that the Council is not screening or interrogating the aspirants but interacting with them and would not discredit or disqualify any aspirant, as it has no power to do so in democracy.

He added that the job of the Council is to offer advise to the governor, as a listening leader who is interested in a free and fair process and a level playing ground for all the aspirants.

He said the idea of the “interaction” with the aspirants was conceived by the Council and got the approval of the governor, noting that the effort is the contribution of the Council to democratic development of the state.

“When we are done, I know the Governor will still engage all other stakeholders including party chieftains and traditional leaders so that whosoever emerges will be acceptable by all.

“We don’t want a situation whereby anyone who emerges later will not be acceptable to all the stakeholders.

“We are not screening or interrogating them. We are having interaction, like discussions with them to be familiar with their ideas, visions and programmes for the state after Governor Makinde.

“When we are done, we will write and send our report to the governor as a Council. It is our job to offer advise to the governor and the governor, as a listening leader is interested in a free and fair process as well as a level playing ground for all the party aspirants.”

Asked if the idea was approved by the governor, Chief Ayorinde said, “If he didn’t like it, he will not allow it”, adding that the governor also wants a situation whereby all the aspirants will be allowed equal chance to present and sell themselves openly.

“At the moment, nine aspirants have appeared before the Council. There maybe a few more that will be coming tomorrow (Monday).

“The process has been rigorous and the engagement has been intense and deep. This is our contribution to the democratic development of our state”, Ayorinde added.