The Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar's image need not be displayed on campaign vehicles in Oyo State, according to governor Seyi Makinde.
The governor who spoke in Ibadan claimed that it is okay for politicians to employ their campaign strategy.
The governor responded, "Is that the only place you have seen branded cars," when asked why Atiku's face wasn't displayed on any of the campaign vans parked outside his home in the Ikolaba neighbourhood of Ibadan.
“I have seen branded cars by state House of Assembly candidates with just pictures of others running for House of Representatives in their localities.
“Anybody that branded cars with his own money… You see, you can’t force them to put my picture or someone else’s picture to vote for him.”
Makinde revealed that the “G5” governors of the PDP in Nigeria—Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwanyi (Enugu), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia)—have presented a reconciliatory document, which is currently being discussed within the party.
Those that left the party did so owing to their political ambitions. Work is ongoing at bringing every party member together ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“Of course, we are reaching out to them, while some are vindicated on dropping their ambitions to join back in the party,” Makinde told the press.