Run for president – Oyo LG leaders urge Makinde

Local government officials in Oyo State have called on Governor Seyi Makinde to contest the 2027 presidential election, saying his emergence would bring about a turnaround in Nigeria’s economy and improve citizens’ welfare.

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.

This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

The appointees, who thronged the secretariat in their hundreds, were received on behalf of the governor by his deputy,  Bayo Lawal, at the frontage of the Governor’s Office.

They commended Makinde for what they described as the “massive transformation” of Oyo State under his administration, urging him to replicate the same leadership quality at the national level.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Chairman of the Oyo State Supervisory Councillors’ Forum, Mr. Ayodeji Oladepo, said the governor had demonstrated exceptional capacity for leadership and would bring transformative governance to the country if elected president.

He assured the gathering that the forum would mobilise massive support for Makinde’s presidential ambition ahead of 2027.

Responding, the Deputy Governor thanked the supporters for their show of solidarity, describing Makinde as “eminently qualified” to lead Nigeria.

He said, “Governor Makinde has significantly raised the standard of governance in Oyo State, and there is no doubt that he would bring his excellent performance to bear on national leadership. The governor will respond to your request at the appropriate time.”

Speaking to journalists after addressing the crowd, Lawal added, “Well, you saw the crowd. I didn’t know they were coming. But seeing how lively, enthusiastic and happy they were, I couldn’t help but come out to address them since the governor was otherwise engaged.

“The main reason they came, according to them, is to urge our governor to contest for the presidency. It’s a legitimate call because, by all standards, he is eminently qualified. They came from all the 33 local government areas, and it shows they genuinely wish him well.

“The choice is entirely the governor’s, but I have told them their message will be delivered. At the appropriate time, the governor will respond to the yearnings and callings of the people.”