Makinde 2027 presidential ambition gains momentum as Oyo local officials rally to urge governor to contest and replicate state-level successes nationally

Makinde 2027 presidential ambition gathered fresh momentum on Tuesday as hundreds of local government officials across Oyo State staged a solidarity rally, urging Governor Seyi Makinde to declare his interest in the nation’s top job.

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The demonstrators, comprising local government secretaries, chiefs of staff to council chairmen, supervisory councillors, and special assistants from all 33 LGAs, converged at the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, calling for the governor to extend his transformational leadership to the national stage.

Their appeal, described as a heartfelt endorsement, was conveyed through the Chairman of the Oyo State Supervisory Councillors’ Forum, Mr Ayodeji Oladepo, who praised Makinde’s administration for the “massive transformation” witnessed in the state since 2019.

According to Oladepo, “Governor Makinde has proven his leadership mettle beyond doubt. If Nigeria must progress, it needs the kind of forward-thinking and people-centred leadership he represents.”

The large crowd was addressed by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, who received the group on behalf of Governor Makinde.

Lawal lauded the overwhelming support and affirmed that the governor is “eminently qualified” to lead Nigeria, though any decision on the 2027 presidential race would be taken at the appropriate time.

“You’ve all seen what the governor has done in Oyo State. His achievements speak for themselves. The people’s call is valid, and I will personally relay the message to him,” Lawal told the enthusiastic supporters.

He later spoke with journalists, describing the rally as spontaneous and grassroots-driven.

“They came from every part of the state. That shows the depth of their conviction. It’s now up to the governor to decide,” he added.

This development comes amid growing speculation about the 2027 election cycle, with citizens and political groups increasingly vocal about the kind of leadership they desire for Nigeria’s future.

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For now, Governor Makinde has not publicly declared his intention to contest, but the strong appeal from Oyo’s local officials adds weight to what is shaping up to be a potentially defining moment in the country’s political landscape.