Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has maintained that his administration will not prevent any political party from using government-owned facilities across the state, provided the necessary conditions for access are satisfied.
Naija News reports that Makinde’s position was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, amid discussions over the planned use of Mapo Hall in Ibadan for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign.
President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit Ibadan, the state capital, on November 21 for the APC campaign rally, which is expected to take place at the historic Mapo Hall.
The proposed gathering comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the choice of venue attracting public attention.
Addressing concerns surrounding the planned event, Makinde stressed that public facilities are the collective property of Oyo State residents and should not be reserved exclusively for any political organisation.
The governor explained that his government would ensure that access to state-owned properties is determined by established guidelines rather than political affiliations or differences between parties.
He stated that public infrastructure must be managed openly and fairly, ensuring that no political group receives preferential treatment or faces unnecessary restrictions.
According to Makinde, “public assets belong to the people of Oyo State and must be administered in a manner that is transparent, equitable, and devoid of partisan considerations.”
He further explained that his administration supports equal political participation and believes that all parties should have the opportunity to engage with residents without facing discrimination based on their political identities.
The governor noted that democratic governance requires an environment where competing political interests can operate freely, provided their activities comply with existing laws and regulations.
Makinde also clarified that the use of government-owned venues is subject to established administrative procedures intended to guarantee proper management, preserve public property and maintain order during events.
He maintained that political parties and other organisations seeking to use such facilities must fulfil the relevant requirements before approval can be granted.
The governor emphasised that compliance with these regulations, rather than party affiliation, should determine whether an application to use a public facility is accepted.
He stated that any organisation that satisfies the prescribed conditions should be allowed access without facing unfair treatment or politically motivated obstacles.
Makinde also called on politicians and their supporters to ensure that campaign activities are conducted peacefully and responsibly, particularly as preparations for the forthcoming elections gather momentum.
He urged government officials and other relevant authorities responsible for processing applications to approach their duties with professionalism, impartiality and fairness.
The governor reiterated that his administration would continue to uphold democratic principles, encourage political coexistence and protect the rights of legitimate political organisations operating within the state.
The statement added that the Oyo State Government remained committed to safeguarding political freedoms and ensuring that different parties could pursue their legitimate activities within the provisions of the law.
Makinde’s remarks underline his administration’s position that public facilities should remain accessible to eligible political groups, regardless of whether they belong to the ruling party in the state or the opposition.
With Tinubu’s proposed visit to Ibadan scheduled for November 21, attention remains focused on preparations for the APC rally at Mapo Hall and the administrative arrangements surrounding the event.
The governor’s clarification indicates that applications to use public facilities should be assessed according to established rules rather than political differences, allowing all qualifying organisations an equal opportunity to utilise government-owned properties.
