A WhatsApp group has been established to rally support for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s potential run for the presidency in 2027. The group, which has quickly garnered 467 members, includes notable figures such as Olajide Odidiomo, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan Northwest/Southwest.
The group also features several of Governor Makinde’s key aides, including Akeem Azeez, his personal assistant on political matters. Local government officials across Oyo State are participating as well, signaling widespread support for Makinde’s prospective candidacy.
Members of the group have voiced strong backing for Makinde, praising his “people-oriented” governance style and leadership qualities. They believe these attributes make him a suitable candidate for Nigeria’s highest office.
While Governor Makinde, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has not officially declared his intentions to run for president, the active involvement of his aides and a federal lawmaker in this initiative suggests significant momentum behind the idea.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between Governor Makinde and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, particularly over issues related to local government autonomy. Makinde has been vocal in his disagreement with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the matter, arguing that the decision may not reflect the realities on the ground in Oyo State.
In response to the ruling, local government chairpersons in Oyo State recently withdrew from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), highlighting the broader political implications of the court’s decision and the evolving dynamics within the state’s political landscape.
