Nigerian Army’s position contributed to my 2019, 2023 election victories – Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said that if the Nigerian Army had been biassed, he would not have been elected in 2019 or 2023.

On Tuesday, Makinde made this proclamation while hosting Major-General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, for a courtesy call at his office in the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

According to Infostride News, Makinde ran on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket and won both the 2019 election and the 2023 re-election.

Makinde remarked that it was impossible to overstate the professionalism shown by the police on duty during the 2019 governorship election.

He then promised the Army’s continued goodwill towards his administration.

Thank you to the Nigerian Army, and especially the 2nd Division in Ibadan,” Makinde remarked. Without the competence of the Nigerian Army, I never would have been elected governor. I wouldn’t have been reelected either if they were biassed.

We appreciate you bringing the party to Ibadan. Oyo State, located in Southwestern Nigeria, is the largest by area.

We pledge to do our part in supporting the Nigerian Army’s efforts in the state and to work with them to increase cooperation for the benefit of all parties.

You already know how much gas will cost if your teams are to go on full patrol given the current scenario and the recent increase in gasoline prices. But we urge the Nigerian Army’s command and senior officers not to lose heart and instead to remain vigilant and focused.

Prior to his arrival, Lagbaja had informed the governor that he had to come since the Nigerian Army was celebrating its 160th anniversary in the state.