Local government officials in Oyo State have urged Governor Seyi Makinde to vie for the presidency in 2027, describing him as the kind of leader Nigeria needs to achieve economic revival and improved welfare for its citizens.
The appeal was made on Tuesday by local government secretaries, chiefs of staff to council chairmen, supervisory councillors, and special assistants from all 33 local government areas of the state during a solidarity rally at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
According to a statement by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the appointees gathered in their hundreds, chanting solidarity songs and displaying banners in support of Makinde’s leadership. They were received on behalf of the governor by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, at the frontage of the Governor’s Office.
The officials commended Makinde for what they described as the “massive transformation” witnessed in Oyo State under his administration, pointing to strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and workers’ welfare. They argued that his performance at the state level is evidence of his readiness to take on a larger national role.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Chairman of the Oyo State Supervisory Councillors’ Forum, Ayodeji Oladepo, said Makinde had proven his ability to deliver results through purposeful leadership, transparency, and accountability. He added that Nigeria needs such pragmatic leadership to restore hope, unity, and progress.
Oladepo said, “Governor Makinde has shown capacity, empathy, and vision. The transformation in Oyo State speaks for itself, and we believe he can replicate this success across the country. That is why we are calling on him to step forward in 2027 and lead Nigeria to a new era.”
Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, who received the group’s message, thanked them for their show of support and described the gesture as a testament to the governor’s popularity and track record. He assured the crowd that their message would be conveyed to Governor Makinde.
Lawal noted that Makinde remains focused on delivering his mandate to the people of Oyo State and will continue to pursue policies that ensure sustainable development and improved livelihoods for all residents.
