Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, may potentially announce his candidacy for the Presidency in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
A recent report by Sahara Reporters indicates that a WhatsApp group has been established to advocate for the potential presidential campaign of the aforementioned governor in 2027.
This group, currently comprising 467 members, consists of notable figures such as Olajide Odidiomo, a distinguished member of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan Northwest/Southwest.
Interestingly, a number of Governor Makinde’s aides, including Akeem Azeez, his personal assistant on political affairs, are reportedly part of this WhatsApp group.
Moreover, representatives from various local government councils are actively engaging in discussions within the aforementioned WhatsApp group.
Members of the group have openly expressed their endorsement of Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambitions, highlighting his governance approach focused on the welfare of the people and his leadership style as determining factors in their belief that he is the most qualified candidate for the presidential position.
Although Makinde, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a second-term governor, has not yet formally declared his intention to run for president.
The participation of his aides and a member of the House of Representatives in the WhatsApp group dedicated to promoting his candidacy is particularly noteworthy.
Seyi Makinde, who was previously part of the G5 governors, previously backed the candidacy of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the presidency in the 2023 election, contrary to his party’s nominee, Atiku Abubakar.
However, recent disagreements with the Tinubu-led administration, particularly regarding local government administration and the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, have led to tensions.
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision on local government autonomy, Local government chairpersons in Oyo State opted to withdraw their membership from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
