Oyo 2023: BASA Denies Stepping Down for Seyi Makinde, Says She Fought Till the End

Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, Bolanle Aminat Sarumi-Aliyu (BASA), has dismissed speculations that she withdrew from the race to back Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, or any other contender.

In an interview with journalist Edmund Obilo, Sarumi-Aliyu described the claims as false and damaging to her political image.

“I did not step down for anybody. We need to get it straight. I did not step down for Governor Seyi Makinde. I did not step down for Adelabu. Nobody. I fought till the end,” she declared.

Explaining her loss, BASA pointed to a wave of last-minute withdrawals by other political heavyweights in favor of Makinde, which created the impression that she had also stepped down.

“Weeks before the election, all the political giants stepped down for Governor Seyi — Senator Lanlehin, Senator Sarafa. The rumor spread that everyone had joined him. My supporters from all 33 local governments started calling, asking if I had stepped down too. I told them I didn’t. But the rumor weakened my campaign,” she explained.

When asked why she refused to align with Makinde, Sarumi-Aliyu said her decision was based on personal conviction and her vision for Oyo State.

“I have my own mission. I have my own goals. I know that I will be the best governor in this country,” she boldly stated.