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Why He Keeps Opposing Pres. BOLA TINUBU
There have been several claims that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State will contest the 2027 presidential election.
In the last few weeks, Governor Makinde’s body language portrays him as someone with such ambition. He has been taking on some of the policies of the government and also counter some of President Tinubu’s claims. He seems like someone who is not comfortable with the government at the top.
He is one of the first governors to find fault with local government autonomy and he criticised it as baseless.
Don’t forget that he’s one of the G5 governors who supported Tinubu, in the presidential election despite their political differences.
Meanwhile there are inside information available to City People pointing to the fact that he’s not happy with some of the policies of the Tinubu administration and the governor also wants to make a statement.
Few weeks back, a Facebook page was set up for this purpose and it’s termed “Makinde for President 2027”. Since then, the group has been circulating messages and some of it’s members have been sharing what Governor Makinde will do differently if elected in 2027.
The post reads: Hardships Caused by President Bola Tinubu, and How Governor Makinde Would Have Handled It Differently if he were President of Nigeria.
President Tinubu administrations human right abuses, including suppressing dissent and restricting freedom of speech is another major problem of the administration.
How Governor Makinde would have handled this situation differently:
If Governor Seyi Makinde were President of Nigeria, he would have taken the following steps to address the hardship caused by President Tinubu’s policies:
Economic Stimulus Package: Governor Makinde as President of Nigeria would have implemented a comprehensive economic stimulus package to boost economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty as he has done in Oyo State.
Fuel Crisis: Governor Makinde would have coordinated a new energy policy to address the fuel crisis, management of the purported fuel subsidy scheme and how Nigeria can refine its fuel for local markets and exports.
Power Sector Reform: Governor Makinde, would implement a comprehensive reform of the electricity sector to improve power supply and reduce the reliance on generators.
Job Creation Initiatives: He would have launched job creation initiatives, such as youth empowerment programs and infrastructure projects, to reduce unemployment as well as reduce poverty as done in Oyo State.
Social Welfare Programs: Introduce social welfare programs, such as food assistance, youth empowerment initiatives, soft loans, etc, to support vulnerable Nigerians.
Education and Healthcare Reforms: Implement reforms to improve the quality of education and healthcare, making them more accessible and more affordable.
Human Rights Protection: Taken steps to protect human rights, promoting freedom of speech and assembly, and ensuring accountability for human rights abuses.
Security Sector Reform: Implement a comprehensive reform of the security sector to address insecurity and improve the safety of Nigerians.
Anti-Corruption Measures: Strengthen anti-corruption agencies and implement measures to reduce corruption and improve transparency.
Economic Diversification: Implement policies to diversify the economy, reducing dependence on oil and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Infrastructure Development: Invest in critical infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and public transportation, to improve connectivity and economic growth.
Foreign Policy Reform: Reform foreign policy to improve relationships with other countries and attract foreign investment.
There have been Whatssap groups created as well to promote this course.
The group, which currently boasts of 467 members, includes prominent individuals such as Olajide Odidiomo, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan Northwest/Southwest.
Notably, several of Governor Makinde’s aides are also part of the group, including some of his personal assistants.
Additionally, officials from local government councils are also participating in the WhatsApp group.
The group’s members have expressed their support for Seyi Makinde’s presidential aspirations, citing his “people-oriented” approach to governance and leadership style as reasons why they believe he is the most suitable candidate for the position.
Makinde, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a second-term governor, has not officially announced his presidential ambition.
However, the presence of his aides and a House of Representatives member on the WhatsApp group promoting his candidacy is noteworthy.
Seyi Makinde who was a member of the G5 Governors had supported the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the president in the 2023 election against his party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
But in the last few months, he has been seen to be playing the opposition card.
Governor Makinde, is not satisfied with the decision of the Supreme Court judgement on autonomy to local governments, ‘the governor has therefore asked local government chairmen in the state to break away from their umbrella body— Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON.
He has even denied the claim Tinubu, made during a nationwide broadcast on Sunday that states shared from the N570 billion given to states to cushion the effects of economic hardship in the country.
It has therefore become obvious that Governor Makinde, has distanced himself from the key policies of Mr President and the rumours of his 2027 presidential ambition can’t be ignored.
The Publicity Secretary of the APC in Oyo State, Wasiu Sadare, a few weeks back said, Makinde, had the constitutional right to contest for the presidency. “We can only wish him the best of luck since it is within his right to aspire to be President. The PDP, has always lacked ideal candidates and we would not be surprised if their best presidential candidate for 2027 is Governor Makinde.
“We cannot wait for him to kick off his mobilisation efforts and it is then we would expose him to the whole world. As it stands now, we see those behind the project as clowns who lack the wherewithal to drive such ambition.
Another campaign group named ‘Progressive Youth for Makinde’s Presidency 2027’ has initiated efforts to promote the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for the upcoming presidential election in 2027.
The campaign, launched in June 2024, has established a social media presence, including a Facebook and X account advocating for his candidacy.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State has stated that Makinde has not officially declared his intention to run, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) has acknowledged his right to aspire for the presidency.
Another Social Media Team for Governor Seyi Makinde for President in 2027, also praised Governor Makinde and listed out what makes him the bestman for the job. It reads; Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State recognizes the pivotal role, youths play in shaping Nigeria’s future and he is dedicated to creating jobs and economic opportunities for youths if elected as President of the country in 2027.
The governor, shall improve access to quality education, skills training, amplify youth voices in governance and decision-making.
As President of Nigeria in 2027, Governor Makinde, shall support innovation that would make the country more prosperous and better for young entrepreneurs.
His presidency shall prioritize youth empowerment, ensuring they thrive and reach their full potential. Governor Makinde, will work together with all critical stakeholders to build a brighter and stronger future for Nigeria.
We therefore wish to use this occasion of the International Youth Day to call on young people in Nigeria to join hands with Governor Makinde, so that his ambition to become the next President of Nigeria come 2027 would be realisable.
Although, Governor Makinde hasn’t come out to debunk or authenticate if he would run or not but there are hundreds of people who are close to him in one way or another campaigning for him to make his intention known. There have been teaming supporters from the South, East, North and West urging him to run and it is gradually gathering momentum by the day.
–Isaac Abimbade
08155107955
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