Why Seyi Makinde for President?

Seyi Makinde has indicated that his primary motivation for seeking the Nigerian Presidency is his proven capacity and experience in delivering effective governance. He believes his successful tenure as a two-term governor of Oyo State provides a blueprint for national leadership and transformation. His “Omituntun” agenda focusing on Infrastructure, Agribusiness, Health, Power, Security and Education. 

Key reasons cited for his potential 2027 bid is based on data-driven governance, economic growth, and social welfare:

Proven Governance and Track Record: He describes his work in Oyo State as a successful “pilot” and believes he is now qualified, or even “overqualified,” to scale those results into a national vision.

• Economic Growth: Under his leadership, Oyo State economy from ₦2.75 trillion in 2019 to ₦4.05 trillion by late 2022 is true according to official state records and the governor’s office. This growth was a key highlight of his administration’s “Roadmap to Accelerated Development 2019–2023. The state also rose to third in Nigeria’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
• Infrastructure: He has prioritized high-economic-impact projects, such as the Circular Road in Ibadan and the rehabilitation of the Moniya-Iseyin Road.
• Welfare: His administration is noted for the consistent, timely payment of salaries and pensions, including clearing over ₦13 billion in historical pension.
• Education & Health: His administration abolished school fees, recruited thousands of teachers, and upgraded hundreds of primary healthcare centres.
• Transparency: Supporters view him as a “technocrat” who emphasizes fiscal responsibility and accountability in public spending. 

Makinde possesses the necessary capacity to occupy the highest office and tackle Nigeria’s structural challenges.

• Focus on a Productive Economy: His vision centres on shifting Nigeria from a consumptive to a productive economy through massive investment in infrastructure, agribusiness, and tourism, similar to his approach with the Oyo State Circular Road.
• National Reformer Identity: He positions himself as a departure from traditional “entitlement-style” politics, emphasizing that leaders must be chosen based on their ability to “do the work” rather than mere slogans.
• Empowering the Next Generation: Makinde highlights his commitment to youth and human capital development, citing his personal success starting a business at 29 as evidence of his ability to create opportunities for young Nigerians. 

Ultimately, his bid is framed as a “National Reset” to replicate people-oriented governance—including transparency, infrastructure development, and economic diversification.

• Political Positioning
• “Detribalised” Leadership: He is often described as a unifier who can bridge regional divides between the North and South.
• Inclusivity: Supporters also highlight his “detribalised” approach and his efforts to involve youth and women in his cabinet.
• Independence: Makinde frequently highlights that he was elected in Oyo State without a political “godfather,” positioning himself as a candidate of the people.
• Qualifications: Makinde has stated that his experience running a successful global business and serving two terms as governor makes him “overqualified” to

Leadership Style and Appeal:

• Democratic Safeguard: He has argued that strong opposition is necessary to prevent Nigeria from sliding into a one-party State. 

Vision and Policy Proposals

• Economic Diversification: Makinde advocates for a shift from a consumptive to a productive economy through agribusiness, tourism, and solid minerals.
• Constitutional Reform: He is a vocal proponent of restructuring, state policing, and true federalism to empower local governance.
• Single-Term Presidency: He has publicly supported a 5 or 6-year single-term structure for presidents and governors to focus on impact over re-election politics.