Buhari, Ajimobi, Makinde & Alaafin's PrayerBy Simbo Olorunfemi

Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, shared an interesting story two days ago at an event in Abuja.

In 2007, Muhammadu Buhari, as ANPP Presidential Candidate, Abiola Ajimobi, ANPP Governorship Candidate in Oyo State, and Seyi Makinde, ANPP Senatorial Candidate for Oyo South paid a courtesy call on the then Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

As it's the custom, Alaafin prayed for them, wishing them well. But in the elections that followed, the three men lost. That was 2007.

But things changed in 2011, starting with Abiola Ajimobi. He won election and became the Oyo State Governor.

2015. Muhammadu Buhari won election and became the President of Nigeria.

2019. Seyi Makinde won his election and became the Governor of Oyo State. One after the other, things turned around the three men who collectively lost their elections in 2007.

Starting in 2011, they began to win, even going ahead to win second terms.

I don't know what to make of this story or what lessons one can extract from it.

To Mr Makinde, however, it only shows that, whatever the aspiration, it is only God that can bring to pass at his own time.

I am inclined to agree with him. There is always that X factor, more to do with the moment than the man that often determines a man's fortune, electoral outcome inclusive.

I found it a fascinating story. I didn't even remember, but for the story that Senator Ajimobi and Mr Seyi Makinde were once of the same party.

Man. Life. Politics.

Who even remembers that Seyi Makinde had been running for office for 12 years before finally winning in 2019.

Politics is a marathon. Often, it takes staying at it long enough to finally win.

Via Facebook || Simbo Olorunfemi