Rotimi Makinde, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the House of Representatives for Ife Federal Constituency in the 7th Assembly, has restated his loyalty to the ruling party, stressing that his political journey is guided by conviction rather than personal gain.
Makinde, reflecting on the ideology of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, said the principles of service, integrity, and selfless leadership remain his compass in politics, even though such values appear to be fading among many leaders today.
According to him, perseverance and self-contentment are what keep him and like-minded members in the APC despite criticisms. He cited a Yoruba proverb: “Eni tó ní ìṣọ̀kan àti ìtẹ́lọ́rùn, kì í ṣe ẹrú oúnjẹ ọjọ́ kan”—he who has perseverance and contentment is not a slave to one day’s meal.
“Politics is not a market where you move to the highest bidder. It is a duty—a duty to people, to ideas, and to the future. That is why some of us remain. We are not here because of position; we are here because of conviction. And conviction does not relocate overnight,” Makinde stated.
He acknowledged challenges within the party, including what he described as the “untoward attitude of some handlers,” but maintained that his commitment to building rather than bending remains firm. “We will stay, we will work, and we will build,” he affirmed.
Makinde’s remarks underscore his belief in politics as service and his determination to uphold values that transcend personal ambition.
