By Adeola Badru

Waste management operators in Oyo State, have thrown their weight behind Governor Seyi Makinde, praising what they described as his deliberate and strategic political coalition-building ahead of the 2027 general elections, which they believed could reshape governance and development outcomes in the state.

The endorsement came from members of the Lere Adigun Vanguard, popularly known as the Sahara Boys, who argued that the governor’s recent political engagements reflected a calculated effort to consolidate influence across party lines while maintaining focus on development priorities.

Speaking on behalf of the group, its leader, Mr Odeyemi Davis Michael, said on Tuesday that Makinde’s leadership style and policy direction have consistently demonstrated an ability to build consensus beyond partisan boundaries, which he said is crucial for long-term stability in Oyo State and the wider South-West.

He also praised the reported collaboration between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), describing it as a forward-looking arrangement designed to strengthen political cohesion ahead of the next election cycle.

According to the group, Nigeria’s current socio-economic realities demand leadership that is both pragmatic and unifying, insisting that coalition politics, if properly managed, could help redirect governance towards more sustainable development outcomes.

Odeyemi further commended Makinde’s political judgement in identifying former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Bimbo Adekanbi, as a preferred successor, describing it as a move aimed at ensuring policy continuity beyond 2027.

On environmental governance, the contractors said the administration had significantly improved the waste management sector through stronger institutional frameworks, better coordination, and enhanced operational support for contractors working across the state.

They added that consistent engagement between government and stakeholders in sanitation has led to more efficient refuse collection systems and improved environmental hygiene in urban centres.

The group said its decision to openly align with the governor was based on what it called “tangible results” and a governance style that prioritises service delivery and stakeholder inclusion.

They also noted that Makinde has maintained stable relationships with workers, contractors, traditional rulers and political actors, arguing that the emerging coalition would further strengthen peace and continuity in governance.

In their statement of support, Odeyemi said: “We are proud of the leadership style of Governor Makinde. He has shown wisdom in governance and political coordination.“

“What we are seeing is a strategic alliance aimed at sustaining development, unity and progress not only in Oyo State but across the region,” he said.

He added: “We are fully in support of Governor Makinde and his political direction ahead of 2027. As stakeholders who have worked closely with this administration, we can testify to the governor’s commitment to good governance and infrastructural development.“

The contractors also pledged to deepen collaboration with the state government through OYOWMA, with a commitment to expanding cleaner communities and improving environmental compliance across all 33 local government areas.

They urged residents to continue supporting sanitation initiatives and adhere to environmental regulations, insisting that sustained public cooperation remains essential for long-term urban hygiene and public health improvements.

The group maintained that confidence in Makinde’s administration continued to grow across sectors, driven by what they described as consistent policy delivery and active stakeholder engagement.