Amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Iliya Damagun’s role as acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has publicly reaffirmed his full support for Damagun and his National Working Committee (NWC).
This declaration came during the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrade of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan.
At the ceremony on Wednesday, Makinde urged PDP members to set aside internal disputes for the sake of party unity and to support the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
He emphasized, “Seyi Makinde is 100 percent with our candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo. If Edo people want to know the difference between delicious and nutritious, they should vote for Asue Ighodalo to get what is nutritious.”
Makinde also addressed recent tensions within the PDP, stating, “I have been discussing with my brother on our way here. We are 100 percent in support of the Iliya Damagun-led NWC. Whatever decisions you make, we will back you in repositioning our party.”
Turning to the airport upgrade project, Makinde defended the decision to prioritize the development, citing its potential to establish Ibadan as a regional business hub. He assigned a 12-month timeline to Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi’s committee to complete the project, which is set to cost N41 billion and is being handled by Craneburg Construction Limited.
Additionally, Makinde announced a delay in implementing the recently passed Presumptive Tax bill due to current economic hardships. While he intends to sign the bill into law, he emphasized the need to provide immediate relief to residents.
“We support anything that will leave money in the pockets of the people of Oyo State so they can spend it where it is needed,” Makinde stated.
The event, attended by notable figures including Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and members of the PDP NWC, highlighted the planned enhancements to the airport, such as extended runways and improved cargo facilities.
The upgrade aims to alleviate congestion at Lagos’ Murtala Mohammed Airport and boost Ibadan’s economic profile.
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) representative Mr. Francis Balogun affirmed that the project will connect Oyo State to the global community by air.
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