As political momentum continues to gather ahead of 2027, a notable political development has emerged that is drawing attention to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
Despite the governor’s public stance of neutrality, with no formal announcement of his intention to run for the highest office in the land; the president, his supporters and political loyalists have begun flooding various digital platforms, particularly WhatsApp, with banners and graphics endorsing him as a potential presidential candidate.
Westernmirror.com.ng gathered that this grassroots movement has sparked discussion, especially given Makinde’s influential role in Nigerian politics and his perceived popularity in certain political circles.
Governor Seyi Makinde, is currently serving out his second term of four year each as the executive governor of Oyo State who assumed office in 2019.
This online newspaper equally gathered that governor Makinde has maintained a carefully crafted image of neutrality in the face of growing speculation about his 2027 political ambitions.
As a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Makinde has been the leader of the party not only in Oyo state but the entire southwestern Nigeria, a region with significant electoral weight.
However, he has yet to make a formal declaration regarding his presidential ambitions, and his stance has been one of remaining focused on delivery of good governance as the executive governor of Oyo state rather than the 2027 presidential race.
Despite this public position, Makinde’s supporters have seemingly taken matters into their own hands. Over the past few weeks, a growing number of WhatsApp groups, social media pages, and online platforms have seen an influx of “Makinde4President” banners and graphics.
These digital promotions include messages praising his leadership qualities, governance style, and his commitment to socio-economic development in Oyo State.
The banners, often created by political enthusiasts and influencers, have quickly gained traction, spreading rapidly among supporters of the governor and other like-minded political groups.
A political enthusiast who does not want name in print attributed the development to the dissatisfaction with the current state of political leadership and economic hardship in the country.
The source noted that Makinde’s governance in Oyo State has been largely praised for being people-oriented, transparent, and focused on infrastructural development, which the source noted has earned him a loyal following.
The source disclosed further that the “Makinde4President” banners on digital platforms could be a reflection of the larger desire for leadership that seems to stand apart from the political establishment.
“Makinde’s pragmatic approach to governance, which has emphasized economic growth, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development, may be appealing to many Nigerians seeking a new direction for the country.”
“Also, you know he is relatively still a youth, compared to others who are older political figures. This has positioned him as a candidate who could potentially bring fresh energy to the Nigerian presidency, given the chance to do so.” The source said.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that till date, Governor Makinde has maintained a neutral stance on his political future stating that he is old enough to make his own decisions and could not be co-opted into the increasing online buzz surrounding his potential candidacy.
Official statements from his office via the media unit have continued to emphasize the governor’s commitment to his current duties as well his determination to finish his second term of office in line with his vision and economic blueprints for the state.
However, the growing momentum behind the “Makinde4President” campaign banner could indicate a shift in political dynamics ahead of 2027 with his supporters pushing him to consider a run for the nation’s highest office.
Some analysts suggest that Makinde may be biding his time, weighing the political landscape before making any official pronouncement.
With the current president’s tenure still young with a prospect for a second term, it is unclear if governor Makinde would eventually join the race officially.
