Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has urged Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that the move would bring the state closer to the Federal Government and enable it to benefit more directly from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Goronyo made the appeal on Monday during the flag-off of the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu Road in Ogun State. President Tinubu was represented at the event by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
The minister, while commending Abiodun for his contributions to infrastructure development in Ogun State and the wider South-West, said the APC-led Federal Government was accelerating development through major infrastructure projects.
“The central train of development is moving fast under our progressive banner,” Goronyo said.
He subsequently extended a direct invitation to Makinde to defect to the ruling party, describing the move as a “natural giant step” that would align Oyo State more closely with the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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,” the minister said.
“Come and align Oyo State fully with the centre under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Makinde was absent from the ceremony. His political future has, however, become a subject of increased attention as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
The governor is currently associated with the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), which has positioned him for the 2027 presidential contest amid ongoing political realignments across the country.
Goronyo’s appeal therefore comes against the backdrop of growing efforts by political parties and influential politicians to consolidate alliances ahead of the next general election.
The minister’s invitation also coincided with the commencement of the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu Road, an important transport corridor connecting Oyo and Ogun states. The project is expected to improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of people and goods and strengthen economic activities along the route.
Among the dignitaries at the event were Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; and the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.
The latest invitation from the Federal Government adds another dimension to the political calculations ahead of 2027, with the possibility of Makinde joining the APC potentially representing a significant political realignment in Oyo State and the wider South-West.
For now, the minister’s appeal places the ball in Makinde’s court as political activities and alliances continue to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections.