‘Nigerians Will Show Politicians Pepper’ — Makinde Downplays Federal Might Ahead 2027 Elections

By Akanni Toba

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned politicians, particularly those of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), not to rely on federal might for victory at the poll in the forthcoming general elections, stressing that the government in power at the national level will not dictate the outcome of the 2027 elections.

Makinde noted that the Nigerian electorate are now more politically conscious and they will vote  for leaders of their choice regardless of political influence.

The Oyo helmsman made this remarks on Wednesday while speaking at the tourism summit organized by the state and held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre (ICC).

He stressed that the electorate will not make winning elections a walk in the park for candidates of all parties, by saying in pidgin English that ” Nigerians will show politicians pepper”.

“I believe that this election cycle, federal might will not work. It has worked in Ekiti state in both instances but this time around, Nigerians will show politicians pepper,” he said.

“They will show us that they don’t want to be bystanders anymore; they will participate, and I’m sure of what I’m saying.”

On governance in Oyo after his tenure, the governor said his administration has created structures in the state that would ensure continuity.

Makinde said although he would recommend a successor, the people of Oyo would ultimately decide who becomes the next governor.

The governor, however, cautioned that electing a candidate without the capacity to govern would have lasting consequences for the state.

“I tell people that I will recommend for Oyo state people, but the decision will rest with the people of Oyo state,” he said.

“But if you make a mistake and bring someone who will not do good work, it is a one-day event, but the impact will last four years.

“So, we must get it right. Leadership changes but systems, they endure. So, our focus has been deliberate.”

Meanwhile, among the prominent names being bandied around as Makinde’s likely preferred candidate for the Oyo gubernatorial race, there are growing speculations that the governor may endorse Abimbola Adekanmbi as his preferred governorship candidate.

Adekanmbi is a former commissioner for finance in the state,

He served  in the administration of the late Abiola Ajimobi under the All Progressives Congress (APC).