Local government political functionaries in Oyo State have urged Governor ‘Seyi Makinde to contest the 2027 presidential election to bring a total turnaround to the economy of the country and the welfare of its people.
Local government secretaries, Chiefs of Staff to local government chairmen, supervisory councillors, and special assistants from the 33 local government areas of the state made the call when they converged on the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, for a solidarity rally on Tuesday.
The local government appointees highlighted the significant transformation of Oyo State under Governor Makinde’s leadership.
They tasked the governor to present himself to deliver the good governance that Oyo State has enjoyed in the last six years and some months to the entire country.
The appointees, who were received on behalf of the governor by the Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, at the frontage of the Governor’s Office, stated that the governor has proven his leadership mettle over the years.
Speaking on their behalf, the Chairman of the Oyo State Supervisory Councillors’ Forum, Mr Ayodeji Oladepo, said Makinde had demonstrated his leadership ability and would be able to bring transformative governance to the state for the benefit of all citizens.
He assured the Forum’s readiness to mobilise support for the much-speculated presidential bid of the governor in 2027.
In his response, the deputy governor thanked the local government political functionaries and commended them for their thoughtfulness.
He affirmed that Governor Makinde is eminently qualified to be the president of Nigeria, adding that the governor has significantly raised the standard of governance in the state, noting that he would bring his excellent performance to bear on national leadership.
Lawal assured the political supporters that Governor Makinde would respond to their request at the appropriate time.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after receiving the crowd of supporters, the deputy governor said, “Well, you saw the crowd. I didn’t know they were coming.
“But having seen how lively, enthusiastic and happy they were, I could not but come out to address them, in spite of the fact that the governor is otherwise engaged.
“The main reason they came, according to them, is to urge our governor to come out to contest for the presidency. It is a legitimate call because, by all standards and by all means, the governor is eminently qualified.
“Like many other people, they have come out from the 33 local government areas of Oyo State and it shows clearly that these people genuinely wish our governor well.
“The choice entirely is the governor’s, but that is what they wish, and I have told them that the message will be delivered to the governor.
“I know that, at the appropriate time, the governor would respond to the yearnings and the callings of the people.”
