A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant, Aare Olayinka Segelu, has dismissed recent claims questioning his political relevance, reaffirming his influence across over 300 villages and towns in Lagelu local government and beyond
Reacting to a statement undermining his political relevance in the politics of the state,through his media office, Segelu, a long-standing financier and grassroots mobiliser in Lagelu Local Government, highlighted his role in past campaigns, including personally branding vehicles for both the 2018/2019 and 2022/2023 elections of the current Governor Seyi Makinde and others, emphasising that loyalty and structured leadership remained key to his continued impact within the party as preparations for the 2027 elections begin.
A statement from the Media office reads: “The attention of our office has been drawn to comments questioning the electoral value and political relevance of Chief Olayinka Segelu.
“For the record, Chief Olayinka Segelu has been a consistent financier, mobilizer, and grassroots coordinator within the party structure in Lagelu Local Government and beyond.
“In 2018/2019, during the first-term campaign of Seyi Makinde, he personally branded a campaign bus — with the knowledge of the late Rt. Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, former Speaker of Oyo State; the late Alhaji Taofeek Oyetunde Olayiwola, former Oyo State PDP Chairman; Chief Bisi Ilaka, former Chief of Staff to the Governor; and Chief Dare Adeleke, a respected figure in today’s PDP.
“Furthermore, in 2022/2023, he again branded three vehicles for the re-election campaign. These contributions were publicly documented in videos and media publications and remain undeniable.
“The recently circulated video from the last election in Lagelu Local Government Area further demonstrates his grassroots influence across Ward 2, Ward 11, Ward 12, and the wider Igbo Elerinland comprising over 300 villages and towns.
“Leadership is not noise; it is structure, investment, and recognition. Silence should never be mistaken for absence, and loyalty should never be mistaken for weakness.
“As 2027 approaches, we remain confident that political structure, grassroots acceptance, and proven commitment will speak louder than unfounded claims.
“Chief Olayinka Segelu remains calm, focused, and fully prepared to continue contributing meaningfully to the growth and stability of our party.
