2027: Makinde courts Bode George, Lagos power brokers

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential campaign has taken its mobilisation drive to Lagos, seeking the backing of veteran politician Bode George and other influential figures as it works to build support for the 2027 election.

The Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO), operating under the Allied People’s Movement (APM), visited George, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Chairman, alongside other prominent Lagos political leaders.

The delegation was led by the campaign’s South-West coordinator, Eddy Olafeso, and included Laja Adeoye, the APM governorship candidate in Lagos State.

Other leaders visited were former Lagos Deputy Governor Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, Aduke Maina and Onikepo Oshodi.

During the meeting, George commended Makinde’s decision to pursue the presidency, describing him as courageous in seeking higher leadership and praising his efforts to modernise Oyo State and strengthen its economy.

Maina offered a more direct endorsement, urging Nigerians to support Makinde and arguing that his performance in Oyo State demonstrated his ability to lead the country.

She pointed to the governor’s infrastructure projects and people-oriented initiatives as evidence that his approach to governance could be extended beyond the state.

“If Makinde could fix Oyo State and turn it into a world-class state with people-oriented projects and infrastructure, he could reset Nigeria within a short period,” Maina said.

Olafeso said the Lagos visit formed part of consultations with political stakeholders ahead of the commencement of campaign activities across the South-West.

He said the organisation intended to engage influential leaders across the region to explain Makinde’s ambition and seek their support.

According to him, Makinde has also been reaching out to political blocs within the APM and PDP through his RESET Nigeria agenda, which the campaign presents as an alternative political movement ahead of the 2027 elections.

The governor has also held town hall meetings in different regions to engage political leaders, stakeholders and members of the public on his presidential ambition.