For PDP’s Seyi Makinde, All’s Well That Ends Well

All’s well that ends well, is how the saying goes. In other words, regardless of the manner in which an end is attained or a point is reached, corners that lead to eventuality are merely a convenience. This is just another way of saying that as Seyi Makinde has now been affirmed the governor of Oyo State, aluta will not continua, neither will the memory of it. All’s well now that it has all ended well in Makinde’s favour.

As with every drama customary to the Nigerian political clime, this story began with an election: Seyi Makinde, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had just won the Oyo State gubernatorial election. Makinde, who had finally clinched the seat after prior attempts, was sworn in accordingly. He even went as far as to make history by appointing a 27-year-old, Seun Fakorede, as a commissioner in the state.

Unsurprisingly, the contending All Progressives Congress (APC) – led by its candidate, Adebayo Adelabu – refuted the claim of victory, being dissatisfied with the outcome of the elections. Seeking judicial help to correct the perceived erroneous results, APC rose to the drums, and thus began the dance in Oyo State.

To sketch the resulting proceedings in brief, the powers of APC in Oyo State approached the election petition tribunal to upturn the declared results and nullify the election. However, the petition was thrown out by the court on the grounds that the petitioners could not prove – beyond a reasonable doubt – all the allegations of election malpractice levelled against Makinde.

Sensing a game afoot, the PDPled administration of Makinde also promptly raised hackles over alleged plans by the APC – with the help of the president – to shoulder out the declared winner. This came shortly after the Appeal Court had dismissed the dismissal of the election petitions tribunal. In short, after all the saga of dismissals and counter dismissals, Makinde can once again assume his seat in full confidence.

The Supreme Court has finally concluded the matter in favour of Makinde and PDP.