City People Reveals His Game-Plan
This is the hot news that is trending right now, in political circles in Nigeria. It is the news that Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State will most likely be running for Presidency come 2027 on the platform of the PDP.
Though he has not come out to openly say so, there are very strong indications that he will most likely run. Already, there are pointers in this direction. The PDP in its wisdom, has zoned the Presidency to the South. And he feels he is eminently qualified to run. He is one of the frontline leaders from the South in PDP.
He has also secured the hosting rights of the PDP National Convention slated for November in Ibadan, Oyo State.
City People gathered that he got the right because of his pre-eminent role in the PDP.
He is also one of the 5 PDP governors who took Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on in 2023 for insisting on wanting to replace late Muhammadu Buhari, a Northerner, who just spent 8 years in power. Along with Nyesome Wike and 3 other serving governors, they fought Atiku to a stand still over the matter. They wanted him to respect the zoning policy of the party.
Now, that Atiku is out of the PDP, Makinde is one of the PDP leaders being tipped for the slot.
He is one of the Southern leaders whose image looms large in PDP.
He has a rich profile. He is an Engineer, businessman, and politician who has been serving as Governor of Oyo State since 2019.
Born on 25th December 1967, in Ibadan, Oyo State, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Lagos and later trained at prestigious institutions like the Lagos Business School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Before entering Politics, Makinde worked with international oil and gas companies and later established his own company, Makon Engineering and Technical Services Limited (METS). He has served as the Managing Director of Makon Group Limited, an indigenous oil and gas company.
Makinde won the 2019 gubernatorial election under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and was sworn in as the 28th Governor of Oyo State on May 29, 2019. He was re-elected in 2023.
And he has recorded notable achievements which include how, Oyo State’s GDP grew from N2.75 trillion in 2019 to N4.05 trillion in 2022.
– Infrastructure Development: Completed 335.77 kilometers of roads, with 273.31 kilometers under construction.
Healthcare: Renovation and equipment of 351 Primary Healthcare Centres, with 264 completed as of March 2025.
Education: Recruited 7,500 teaching staff and 500 non-teaching personnel for TESCOM, and 7,000 primary school teachers for SUBEB.
Security: Strengthened the Oyo Amotekun Corps and established a robust emergency response system.
What significant role does he play in PDP?
City People gathered that Governor Seyi Makinde plays a significant role in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), particularly in Oyo State. Some key points about his involvement include:
Leadership Role: As the current Governor of Oyo State, Makinde has confirmed his intention to actively participate in the choice of his successor for the 2027 elections, emphasizing his commitment to transitioning the state’s civil service.
Party Dynamics: Makinde highlighted the importance of PDP dynamics in determining the final outcome of the successor selection process, underscoring his role as the current leader of the party in Oyo State.
PDP Strengthening: Makinde has expressed his dedication to strengthening the PDP, particularly through initiatives like the People’s Democratic Institute (PDI), which aims to provide ideological foundation and training for party members.
Unity and Stability: He has emphasized the need for unity and stability within the party, particularly in the Southwest region, and has urged party members to remain focused on the party’s goals.
Opposition to Coalition: Makinde has rejected proposals for a coalition with other parties, citing the need for internal party consensus before engaging in any merger or alliance.
Institutional Focus: He views the PDP as an institution that should prioritize its internal structure and processes, ensuring that any decisions or actions align with the party’s interests and goals.
Makinde’s role in the PDP reflects his commitment to the party’s growth, stability, and success, both in Oyo State and nationally.
How about his role in Pdp at the national level?
City People gathered that Governor Seyi Makinde also plays a significant role in the national Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This is in the following areas:
Leadership Role: Makinde has been instrumental in strengthening the PDP, particularly through initiatives like the People’s Democratic Institute (PDI), which aims to provide ideological foundation and training for party members.
Party Unity: He has emphasized the need for unity and stability within the party, urging members to remain focused on the party’s goals and reject external influences that could undermine its cohesion.
Southwest PDP: As a key leader in the Southwest zone, Makinde has worked closely with other governors, including Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, to promote the party’s interests and stability in the region.
National Convention: Makinde’s camp has been at odds with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s faction over issues like the party’s national convention and the position of National Secretary. Despite these tensions, Makinde’s influence helped secure Ibadan as the venue for the PDP’s Elective National Convention.
2027 Presidential Ticket: The PDP’s decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South has been seen as potentially beneficial to Makinde’s aspirations, further solidifying his role in national PDP politics.
Coalition Politics: Makinde has downplayed the impact of opposition coalitions, including one led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, suggesting that such alliances won’t significantly affect the PDP’s fortunes. He also doesn’t see the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a threat to PDP, emphasizing the party’s strength and resilience.
Many PDP bigwigs know he is most likely going to run. He once hinted at it. Governor Seyi Makinde once expressed interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election, citing his proven track record as governor of Oyo State. He believes he has the capacity to lead Nigeria, but remains uncertain about whether it aligns with the will of the people or his party, the PDP.
Makinde’s credentials stand him in good stead for the job. He has Governance experience. He has been serving as the Governor of Oyo State since 2019, with notable achievements in infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and economic growth.
He has Leadership Skills. He has demonstrated strong leadership skills, fostering unity and delivering measurable results in Oyo State.
He has National Influence. Makinde’s growing national influence is evident in his endorsements from diverse groups and his advocacy for true federalism, devolution of powers, and state policing
PDP’s recent decision favour him also. That is zoning the Presidency to the South: The PDP has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, which could boost Makinde’s chances.
Party Unity: Makinde’s camp and Wike’s camp have had tensions, but the party is working towards unity and stability.
Makinde’s focus has always been on completing his 2nd term: Makinde has stated that his current focus is on completing his second term as governor, rather than the 2027 presidency.
He prioritises the development of Oyo State, with ongoing projects in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Has Makinde ruled Oyo State well in the last 6 years?
Many think he has. Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration in Oyo State has seen significant achievements, showcasing his commitment to excellence and sustainable development. There are some key areas where he has made an impact. They are:
Economic Growth: Makinde’s leadership has led to remarkable economic expansion, with Oyo State’s GDP increasing from N2.75 trillion in 2019 to N4.05 trillion in 2022. This growth reflects effective governance and a conducive environment for investment.
Infrastructure Development: The administration has prioritized road construction and rehabilitation, completing projects like the Oyo-Iseyin Road and Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road. These projects have improved connectivity and facilitated economic activities.
Education: Makinde’s government has implemented reforms to enhance education quality, including recruiting 7,000 teachers for public primary schools and 100 caregivers for special needs schools. Additionally, N15 billion has been allocated annually for infrastructural renewal in public schools.
Healthcare: The administration has upgraded healthcare facilities, including the completion of General Hospital Aremo and equipping 264 primary healthcare centers. A solarized PSA oxygen plant has also been commissioned at Jericho Specialist Hospital.
Security: Makinde’s government has prioritized security, supporting security agencies and institutionalizing reforms. The Oyo Amotekun Corps has been strengthened to ensure the safety of citizens.
Agriculture: The administration has promoted Agriculture through initiatives like the Oyo State Land Tractorisation Subsidy scheme and distributing farm inputs to smallholder farmers. This has boosted food security and supported local farmers.
Institutional Reforms: Makinde has established new institutions like the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency and Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency to promote development and transparency.
Overall, Makinde’s governance has been marked by efforts to drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for Oyo State residents. His administration’s focus on people-centric policies and sustainable development has earned recognition and appreciation from citizens and stakeholders.
