Supporters of Governor Seyi Makinde have intensified calls for his emergence as Nigeria’s president in 2027, describing him as a tested leader with the capacity to drive accelerated national development.
The call was contained in a press release titled “Strategic Road Map for Accelerated National Development, 2027–2031: Why Seyi Makinde Represents the Future Nigeria Needs,” signed by Prof. D. K. Shangodoyin, a Professor of Statistics and Public Policy Advocate based in Ibadan.
According to the statement, Nigeria is currently at a critical stage that requires visionary, courageous, and people-oriented leadership capable of strengthening institutions, accelerating economic growth, and promoting national unity.
The statement noted that Governor Makinde’s leadership philosophy and governance style align with the proposed national development agenda for 2027–2031, citing his achievements in both the private and public sectors.
It highlighted Makinde’s background in engineering, entrepreneurship, and oil and gas services through the establishment of the Makon Group Limited and its subsidiaries, including Makon Engineering and Technical Services Limited, Makon Power Systems Limited, and Energy Traders and Technical Services Limited.
The release stated that before venturing into politics, Makinde built a successful business career after working with multinational firms such as Shell Petroleum Development Company and Rebold International Limited.
According to Shangodoyin, Makinde demonstrated managerial competence, innovation, and investment capacity in the private sector, adding that publicly available records linked to his 2019 asset declaration valued his companies and investments at over ₦48 billion.
The statement further stressed that Makinde’s international exposure and executive training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology equipped him with strategic planning and economic management skills needed for national leadership.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements since assuming office in 2019, the release said Oyo State had witnessed significant infrastructural development under the Omituntun Agenda through road construction, rehabilitation projects, transport terminals, interchanges, and rural access roads across the state.
It also credited the administration with maintaining industrial harmony, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, improved internally generated revenue, and restoring investor confidence in Oyo State.
The statement added that the Makinde administration had strengthened education and healthcare delivery through recruitment of teachers and health workers, as well as investments in schools and health institutions.
On energy reforms, the release said Oyo State under Makinde had positioned itself among leading states preparing for subnational electricity regulation following the Electricity Act 2023.
Shangodoyin also commended the governor’s policies on agribusiness, youth empowerment, security, and support for small and medium-scale enterprises, describing Oyo State as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing subnational economies.
The statement maintained that Makinde’s leadership style, transparency, inclusiveness, and commitment to democratic governance had earned him support across political, ethnic, and religious divides.
It added that the proposed strategic road map envisions economic diversification, stable power supply, infrastructure expansion, technological advancement, food security, educational transformation, and industrial growth.
The statement concluded that Nigeria requires a president with proven administrative competence, economic vision, and private-sector experience, insisting that Makinde possesses the qualities needed to lead the country toward stability, prosperity, and inclusive growth.
