by Olumide Osunsina
In the political chessboard of Osun State, the deputy‑governor slot is more than a title—it’s a bridge between party ambition and community trust. A close look at the 2022 gubernatorial results for Ilode 1, a pivotal ward in Ife East Local Government, shows that Hon. Rotimi Makinde already holds that bridge in his hands. Even without his name on the ballot, the APC secured roughly 5,800 votes against the PDP’s 4,600, a clear 1,200‑vote margin that can swing an entire state election. That numerical advantage is a direct reflection of Makinde’s deep‑rooted influence and his ability to mobilize voters on the ground.
Beyond numbers, Makinde’s record reads like a development blueprint for the region. He has personally funded and built a fully‑equipped church, donated a two‑bedroom flat to the widow of a slain pastor, and earned public praise from Christian leaders such as Prophet Elijah Makufota of the Celestial Church of Christ. His philanthropy extends to everyday citizens—over one hundred constituents have received cars, while dozens of tricycles and motorcycles have been distributed, creating jobs and improving mobility. In education, he has constructed new schools and renovated many existing ones, adding classrooms, boreholes, and modern furniture, thereby uplifting thousands of children and teachers.
These tangible achievements have made Makinde a unifying figure whose popularity stretches far beyond his immediate constituency, reaching media and entertainment circles that see his candidacy as a rallying point for broader public engagement. Consequently, retaining the deputy‑governor slot within Ilode 1 and nominating Makinde would preserve a proven vote‑generating base, sustain ongoing community projects, and keep the APC’s image as a responsive, inclusive party.
Conversely, moving the slot elsewhere carries serious risks. It would signal a breach of trust to a community that has consistently delivered for the APC, potentially alienating a loyal voter block and narrowing the party’s overall margin in a tightly contested state race. It could also diminish the media and entertainment support that Makinde naturally attracts, reducing the party’s visibility at a time when public perception is crucial.
In sum, the evidence from electoral data, community impact, and stakeholder sentiment converges on one logical conclusion: Hon. Rotimi Makinde is the strategic choice for deputy governor. By keeping the position in Ilode 1 and backing Makinde, the APC can safeguard its electoral strength, continue its development agenda, and present a united front that resonates across Osun State.
_Let us champion a leader whose past actions speak louder than promises, and whose continued presence in Ilode 1 will secure a brighter, united future for all of Osun._
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Opinion