Ahead of the 2023 governorship election in Kwara State, a former member of the House of Representatives, Gbenga Peter Makanjuola has been named the running mate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Yaman Shuaib Abdullahi.
Makanjuola represented Ekiti/Isin/Oke-Ero/Irepodun Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
He served as Deputy Chief of Staff to former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki in the 8th National Assembly.
Sources within the party in the state informed this medium that Gbenga Makanjuola was chosen out of three nominees speculated for the position.
The two others are Chief Bode Oyedepo and former Special Adviser on Agriculture to former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, Otunba Anu Ibiwoye
Makanjuola’s emergence, after a rigorous, comprehensive, and highly anticipated process is not only a clear testimony of the respect, acceptance, and goodwill he command and enjoy amongst his peers, leaders, elders, stakeholders, and teeming membership of PDP, it is most importantly, a tremendous call to service in the quest by the PDP to rescue Kwara from the suffocating leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023.
According to some party stalwarts, “We have never doubted your excellent leadership and organizational qualities, the astute and strategic savvy of your all-inclusive political brinkmanship, as well as the articulate, sterling administrative acumen, which your constituents across Kwara South have already witnessed, and we are fully convinced you will bring all these to bear in the unbeatable partnership with His Excellency, Alhaji Shuaib Yaman, who himself is an accomplished leader, first-class administrator and a globally recognized agroprenuer.
“The unwavering mission to rescue Kwara and Kwarans from the strangulation of the APC leadership in the state is an urgent, critical responsibility, which cannot be delayed anymore and your presence on the joint ticket has already engendered a peaceful and calming effect within the party, infused renewed confidence and optimism amongst the masses and established a reassuring balance in the collective hopes and expectations of Nigerians, that the PDP is at last ready, focused and prepared to take on the task ahead, and emerge victorious in the end.
“This is your stage, Your Excellency and as you embark on the campaigns across the length and breadth of the state with the incoming Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Shuaib Abdullahi Yaman, Kwarans will feel and know and be convinced that they are going to have a Deputy Governor who will speak for the people, stand by the people and is one with the people in 2023 and beyond.”