Makinde Says He Has No Political Godfather, Relies on God and Nigerians for 2027 Presidential Bid

Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has said he is pursuing his 2027 presidential ambition without the backing of a political godfather, expressing confidence that his emergence as governor in 2019 can be replicated at the national level.

Makinde made the remarks on Sunday during a church service at the Church of Christ in Nations in Jos, Plateau State, according to a statement by his Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa.

The governor said his presidential ambition was driven by his faith in God and the support of Nigerians rather than the influence of powerful political figures.

Recalling his first attempt to become governor of Oyo State in 2018, Makinde said some people had questioned how he expected to win without the backing of an established political godfather.

“When I said in Oyo State in 2018 that I would like to be governor, somebody asked me, ‘Governor of which Rotary District?’ I said Governor of Oyo State, and they asked, ‘With no godfather; nobody in politics who can stand in for you?’ I responded by saying, ‘Well, I have God the Father. And I became the Governor of Oyo State,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the same circumstances could favour his presidential ambition, adding that he believed God would show mercy to Nigeria by providing the country with the right leadership in 2027.

“This time around, we also have God the Father, and God will be merciful unto Nigeria, and He will show us mercy in this country,” he added.

Makinde also highlighted his proposed Reset Nigeria Agenda, which focuses on four major areas: security, the economy, education and the socio-political system.

He said the policy document was designed to make his promises measurable and allow Nigerians to assess his performance against clearly stated commitments.

“I want Nigerians to be able to hold me accountable, not just through promises but through documented commitments. Everything is written down in black and white, and I am prepared to be held accountable for everything contained in this document,” he said.

The governor urged Nigerians to participate actively in the political process and prepare to make their choices count in the 2027 presidential election.

During the unveiling of the Reset Nigeria Agenda, Makinde also proposed channelling crude oil earnings above the benchmark used in preparing the national budget towards improving citizens’ welfare if elected president.

He has identified hunger, insecurity and a lack of inclusiveness as among the major challenges confronting Nigeria.

His latest remarks come as he seeks to position his policy proposals and political experience as the foundation of his campaign for the presidency in 2027.