Nigeria 2027: Tinubu Out, Makinde In

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the nation stands at a pivotal crossroads. The current administration under President Bola Tinubu has faced mounting criticisms over economic hardships, insecurity, and governance lapses that have deepened public disillusionment. With Tinubu’s tenure drawing to a close, the clarion call for a fresh, dynamic leadership resonates louder than ever. Enter Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State and a beacon of progressive governance. In this piece, i explore why Makinde emerges as the superior choice—not just for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but for Nigeria as a whole. As a young, erudite Yoruba leader who has transformed Oyo State in just six years, Makinde represents the renewal the country desperately needs to reclaim its greatness.

Why Makinde is the Better Choice:

A Visionary Leader for a New Nigeria
Seyi Makinde is not just a politician; he is a proven administrator whose track record speaks volumes. At 57, he embodies the vigor of youth infused with the wisdom of experience. A petroleum engineer by training with first class degree holder from the University of Lagos, an MBA from the University of Birmingham, MIT and a stellar career in the private sector, Makinde brings intellectual depth and pragmatic problem-solving to the table. Unlike leaders weighed down by age or outdated ideologies, Makinde’s approach is rooted in data-driven decisions, inclusivity, and sustainable development. He has demonstrated an uncanny ability to deliver results without burdening the people—evidenced by his refusal to hike taxes while exponentially growing Oyo’s economy.

In an era where Nigerian leadership is often synonymous with unfulfilled promises, Makinde stands out as a doer. His administration’s people-centered policies have prioritized equity, turning Oyo State into a model of what federal governance could achieve. Imagine scaling this blueprint nationwide: a Nigeria where education empowers the youth, healthcare saves lives without breaking the bank, and infrastructure connects communities. Makinde isn’t chasing power for its sake; he’s driven by a mission to build a prosperous, united federation. Under his stewardship, Nigeria wouldn’t just survive—it would thrive, fostering innovation, job creation, and global competitiveness.

The Yoruba Mandate:

Rallying Behind Makinde as the True Representative.
The Yoruba nation, a powerhouse of Nigeria’s cultural and economic fabric, has long sought a leader who authentically represents its aspirations without the baggage of controversy. President Tinubu, while a son of the soil, has presided over policies that have alienated many, from naira devaluation-induced inflation to perceived favoritism that fractures ethnic harmony. Yorubas, known for their resilience and progressivism, deserve better—a unifier who bridges divides rather than deepening them.

Seyi Makinde is that alternative. As a proud Ibadan indigene and governor of the historic Oyo State, he carries the Yoruba ethos of “Omoluabi”—integrity, hard work, and communal upliftment—without the shadows of godfatherism or elite capture. His governance has transcended parochial interests, fostering alliances across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. Yorubas will flock to Makinde because he delivers: roads that ease daily commutes, schools that ignite dreams, and security that restores peace. In him, the Southwest sees not a mere politician, but a steward who will safeguard Yoruba interests at Aso Rock while championing national unity. Supporting Makinde isn’t about ethnicity; it’s about elevating a leader who proves Yoruba excellence on the global stage, silencing critics and inspiring pride. The 2027 ballot will be a Yoruba renaissance, with Makinde at the helm.

Makinde’s Oyo Miracle: A Blueprint for PDP’s 2027 Victory

For the PDP, Seyi Makinde is the undisputed frontrunner—the candidate whose gubernatorial success positions the party to reclaim the presidency. Since assuming office in 2019, Makinde has engineered what many call the “Oyo Miracle,” transforming a debt-ridden state into an economic powerhouse. His achievements across sectors serve as irrefutable evidence of his readiness to lead Nigeria.

In education, Makinde has revolutionized access and quality. His administration has completed over 400 projects, including the construction of 26 model schools and the rehabilitation of dilapidated facilities. Public school enrollment has tripled, with over 100,000 out-of-school children reintegrated through initiatives like the “OYO NISE, OYO LEKO” literacy program. Thousands of teachers have been recruited, ensuring no child is left behind. This isn’t rhetoric; it’s a system that has boosted literacy rates and prepared Oyo’s youth for a knowledge economy.

Healthcare under Makinde is a testament to compassionate leadership. He has equipped hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities, launched the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme to cover millions, and established the Abiamo Sexually Abused Referral Centre to combat gender-based violence. Maternal and infant mortality rates have plummeted, with free medical outreach programs reaching remote communities. In a nation plagued by medical tourism, Makinde is building a healthcare ecosystem that keeps Nigerians alive and well at home.

Infrastructure has seen unprecedented investment. Over 334 kilometers of roads have been reconstructed, including the 65km Moniya-Iseyin highway and the General Gas Flyover. The “Light Up Oyo” project illuminates 223 kilometers of roads, reducing crime and boosting night economies. Mass transit has been revamped with 106 new buses and modern terminals, easing the burden on commuters. Through the Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA), Makinde has delivered these without debt traps, proving fiscal prudence.
In agriculture, Makinde has turned Oyo into Nigeria’s agribusiness hub. The revival of the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Park has attracted over ₦27 billion in investments, creating thousands of jobs and modernizing farming. Programs like the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) have rehabilitated 200 kilometers of feeder roads, linking farms to markets and boosting yields.
Security and economy round out his legacy. The deployment of Amotekun has slashed crime rates, while Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has surged 295%—from N2.75 trillion in 2019 to N4.05 trillion today—without a single tax hike. Business support initiatives have broadened the tax base, fueling growth that rivals any state.

These feats, achieved in six years, are akin to six decades of progress elsewhere. For PDP, Makinde isn’t a gamble; he’s a guarantee of victory, blending Southern appeal with national credibility.

Makinde: The Catalyst for a Greater Nigeria

Seyi Makinde’s story is Nigeria’s story waiting to unfold—a tale of intellect meeting action, youth meeting maturity. Smart enough to innovate, young enough to endure, and educated enough to inspire, he has turned Oyo’s challenges into triumphs. As convener of the Seyi Makinde Disciples, I see in him the president who will unify our diversity, ignite our potentials, and propel Nigeria to its manifest destiny. 2027 isn’t about replacing Tinubu; it’s about crowning Makinde to make Nigeria truly great.

Adelaja Adeoye
Convener, Seyi Makinde Disciples