Governor Seyi Makinde blames party defection over political ideology

 

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, through his spokesperson Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, has identified the **lack of genuine political ideology** as the root cause of frequent party defections among Nigerian politicians.

**Key Points from the Governor's Remarks:**

*   **The Core Problem:** Nigerian political parties are "almost indistinguishable" due to the absence of a real ideological foundation. This lack of philosophical difference makes it easy for politicians to switch parties for convenience (e.g., from PDP to APC to SDP) without any change in their core beliefs.
*   **Makinde's Contrasting Approach:** While he may not have formally defined an ideology, his governance is described as being guided by "clear principles and predictable actions," which collectively form a de facto ideology. His focus is on "impact, not power."
*   **The Goal:** The governor aims to change the political culture by making it about tangible progress and service to the people, rather than the pursuit of personal or political gain.

**Event and Reactions:**

The statements were made at the public presentation of a book titled **“Omituntun’s Political Ideology of Governor Seyi Makinde.”** Dignitaries at the event, including Dr. Yemi Farounbi and Sheikh Abdul-Ganiy Agbotomokekere, praised Makinde for his:
*   **Inclusive leadership** and commitment to education.
*   **Interfaith cooperation** (noted by the Chief Imam, who praised the Christian governor's support for Islamic causes).
*   **Integrity, transparency, and service-oriented governance.**

The book reviewer, Mr. Wale Adewumi, described Makinde as a "visionary leader" whose politics is rooted in "integrity, service, and unity."

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### Analysis & Key Takeaways

1.  **A Widespread Critique:** Governor Makinde's diagnosis is a common and widely shared criticism of Nigeria's political landscape. Parties often function more as vehicles for electoral contests and access to power rather than as groups united by a distinct set of socio-economic principles.

2.  **Justification for "Defection":** The argument provides a logical explanation for the phenomenon of "political defection." If there is no ideological cost to switching parties, then the decision can be based solely on calculations of power, electoral prospects, or personal gain.

3.  **Makinde's Political Branding:** The event and the governor's remarks serve as a powerful tool of **political branding**. By framing himself as a leader with a consistent, impact-driven philosophy (the "Omituntun" ideology), he seeks to distinguish himself from the typical "ideology-less" politician and build a legacy based on governance and principle.

4.  **Strategic Inclusivity:** The presence and praise from the Chief Imam of Ibadanland are highly significant. It showcases Makinde's cross-religious appeal and allows him to present a model of inclusive governance that transcends the religious divisions often prevalent in Nigerian politics.

5.  **The Book as a Legacy Tool:** The publication of the book is not just a record of events; it is an active attempt to **define and cement his political ideology** for the public, ensuring that his preferred narrative of his leadership is the one that endures.