By Olayinka Olatunbosun, Ph.D
As the countdown to the 2026 Osun State governorship election gathers momentum, strategic choices within the All Progressives Congress (APC) will increasingly define the party’s prospects. Beyond the selection of a credible governorship candidate, the choice of a running mate will send a powerful signal about competence, balance and readiness to govern. Based on pedigree, performance and public perception, Hon. Rotimi Mukail Makinde clearly fits the bill.
A SON OF THE SOIL WITH DEEP OSUN ROOTS
Born in Ile-Ife and deeply connected to communities across Osun State, Hon. Makinde represents authentic grassroots politics. His traditional titles across Ife, Ifewara, Ila-Orangun and Ede underscore wide acceptance beyond his immediate constituency. In a state where local identity and cultural connection matter deeply to voters, his presence on the ticket would strengthen APC’s grassroots penetration and credibility.
TECHNOCRATIC STRENGTH MEETS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
Unlike conventional politicians, Makinde combines politics with solid technocratic expertise. Trained as an accountant with an MBA in Finance, and with nearly two decades of experience at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), he brings strong skills in financial management, budgeting and institutional oversight. For Osun State—where fiscal discipline and efficient resource management remain critical—this competence is invaluable.His legislative experience as a former member of the House of Representatives (2011–2015) further enhances his suitability.
During his tenure, he contributed to committees on Finance, Petroleum, Budget, Youth Development, Poverty Alleviation and Human Rights, sponsoring and supporting bills on constitutional reform, child protection, security and governance. This rare blend of executive insight and legislative depth positions him as a deputy governor who would add substance, not symbolism.
A LOYAL PARTY MAN AND TESTED APC STAKEHOLDER
Hon. Makinde’s loyalty to the APC is neither recent nor opportunistic. He has remained active in party structures, campaign councils and governance institutions, serving in roles ranging from governorship campaign steering committees to presidential campaign directorates. His involvement in SWAGA and appointments to governing councils of Federal Polytechnics under APC-led administrations reflect trust at both state and national levels.In an era when internal party cohesion is as important as voter outreach, Makinde offers stability, loyalty and institutional memory—qualities that help avoid post-election friction.
BRIDGING GOVERNANCE, CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION
Beyond politics and administration, Makinde’s influence in media and culture sets him apart. As founder of Oodua FM, he understands grassroots communication, public opinion and cultural identity. His background in Nollywood and Yoruba cultural promotion makes him a powerful cultural ambassador—an asset in mobilising voters, engaging youth and shaping narratives in a media-driven political environment.
PHILANTHROPY, INCLUSIVENESS AND HUMAN TOUCH
Makinde’s philanthropic footprint across Osun—spanning youth empowerment, community support and faith-based projects across religious lines—has earned him respect as an inclusive leader. In a diverse state, this spirit of unity and accessibility resonates strongly with ordinary citizens who seek leaders that understand daily realities.
THE STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE FOR APC
Electorally, Hon. Makinde strengthens the APC ticket by offering:Geographical and cultural balanceProven governance and legislative competenceGrassroots acceptance and elite confidenceCalm temperament and team-oriented leadershipHe represents continuity without stagnation and renewal without risk.
CONCLUSION
The 2026 Osun governorship election will not be won by slogans alone, but by credibility, competence and connection with the people. Hon. Rotimi Mukail Makinde embodies these qualities. As a running mate, he would not merely complement the APC governorship candidate—he would significantly enhance the ticket’s strength, reassure voters of governance capacity, and project APC as a party prepared to lead Osun State with discipline, inclusiveness and vision.In every sense, Makinde is not just a political choice, but a strategic statement of intent for Osun APC in 2026.
Dr. Olatunbosun is from Wakesan Compound, Ilare quarters in Ile-Ife.
