‘I Became Governor Without a Godfather, God Can Replicate It in 2027’ — Makinde

Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has expressed confidence that his political journey to the presidency in 2027 could mirror his emergence as governor of Oyo State without the backing of a political godfather.

Makinde made the declaration on Sunday during a church service organised by the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, where he presented his vision for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Recalling his experience before the 2019 Oyo State governorship election, the governor said he faced questions about his political chances because he did not have an influential political figure supporting his ambition.

He explained that when he announced his intention to contest for governor in 2018, someone questioned whether he could achieve the ambition without a political godfather.

According to Makinde, he responded that he had God as his backing and eventually became governor.

He said he was relying on the same faith and the support of Nigerians as he pursued his presidential ambition.

“This time around, we also have God the Father, and God will be merciful unto Nigeria and He will show us mercy in this country,” he stated.

The APM presidential candidate said his ambition was driven by the need to address Nigeria’s challenges, particularly insecurity, economic hardship, weaknesses in the education sector and problems within the country’s socio-political system.

Makinde also introduced his RESET NIGERIA Agenda, which he described as a framework for addressing the country’s challenges through four major areas: security, the economy, education and the socio-political environment.

He maintained that his administration in Oyo State had relied on development roadmaps, planning, transparency and accountability to guide its activities between 2019 and 2027.

Presenting the manifesto to church leaders, he urged Nigerians to hold him accountable for the commitments contained in the document, rather than relying solely on campaign promises.

On security, Makinde reiterated his support for state police, arguing that states should have the opportunity to establish their own policing structures with appropriate safeguards.

He also called on Nigerians, particularly Christians, to participate actively in the political process ahead of the 2027 elections.

Makinde is scheduled to hold his party’s presidential campaign rally in Jos, following the commencement of his campaign activities in Bauchi State.

The 2027 presidential election is expected to feature candidates from several political parties competing for the country’s highest political office.