In what has become a culture for many political leaders and groups in the country, local government leaders across Oyo State have publicly urged Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to contest the 2027 presidential election, declaring that his style make him the kind of transformational figure Nigeria needs at the national level.
The call was made on Tuesday when secretaries to local governments, chiefs of staff to council chairmen, supervisory councillors, and special assistants from all 33 local government areas converged on the Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, for a solidarity rally in support of the governor’s potential candidacy.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the large crowd of appointees and officials was received on behalf of Governor Makinde by his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, at the frontage of the Governor’s Office.
The council officials, who described Makinde as “a symbol of purposeful leadership,” said the governor had demonstrated the capacity to rebuild Nigeria’s economy and improve citizens’ welfare if given the chance to lead at the federal level.
Chairman of the Oyo State Supervisory Councillors’ Forum, Mr. Ayodeji Oladepo, spoke on behalf of the group.
Responding to the rally, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal thanked the supporters for what he described as a genuine show of solidarity, adding that Governor Makinde was “eminently qualified” to lead Nigeria.
Makinde, who is currently serving his second term as governor has yet to make any public comment on whether he intends to heed the calls to seek higher office in 2027.
