Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has revealed that he could not have won the 2019 and 2023 gubernatorial elections if the Nigerian Army was partial.

Makinde made this declaration while receiving the Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who paid a courtesy call to his office at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan on Tuesday.

It was earlier reported that Makinde won the 2019 election and was re-elected in 2023 for the second term on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Makinde said the level of professionalism displayed by the officers on duty during the 2019 governorship election could not be overemphasised.

He then pledged that his government would continue to maintain a cordial relationship with the Army.

Makinde said, “I am thankful to the Nigerian Army, especially the 2nd Division in Ibadan. I couldn’t have become the governor if not for the professionalism of the Nigerian Army. I also wouldn’t have been reelected if they had been partial.

“We are glad that you brought the celebration to Ibadan. In South-West Nigeria, Oyo State is actually the biggest in terms of land mass.

“We will play our part and contribute to the activities of the Nigerian Army in the state and deepen the cooperation for mutually beneficial activities.

“The present situation and hike in fuel price are affecting our economy; if your teams are to be on full patrol you know what the cost of petrol will be. But we encourage the leadership of the Nigerian Army and Senior Officers not to be discouraged but to be focused.”

Lagbaja had earlier told the governor that the visit became imperative for the Nigerian Army to inform the governor of its 160th anniversary celebration holding in the state.