INTRO: The reasons why Federal might won’t work in 2027 elections were laid out by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State at the Oyo State tourism summit held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre. Makinde expressed optimism that Nigerians will reject political influence and vote for leaders of their choice. Here are five key reasons why Federal might won’t work in 2027 elections, according to the governor.
1. Nigerians Are No Longer Willing to Be Bystanders: The first of the reasons why Federal might won’t work in 2027 elections is growing voter consciousness. Makinde said: “Nigerians will show politicians pepper. 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.” He argued that citizens are ready to take ownership of the process, making it harder for outside influence to override popular will.
2. Federal Influence Has Limits, Despite Past Successes: Makinde acknowledged that “federal might” has worked before, noting it “has worked in Ekiti state in both instances.” Yet he insisted “this time around” the outcome will be different. That historical contrast is one of the reasons why Federal might won’t work in 2027 elections. The governor believes the 2027 cycle represents a shift in political awareness and resistance to external pressure.
3. Voters Will Prioritize Capacity Over Party Colouration: Another of the reasons why Federal might won’t work in 2027 elections is the electorate’s focus on competence. Speaking on succession in Oyo, Makinde said: “For us, if you’re from Oyo state, loyal to Oyo state, and have capacity, we will support you. We are blind to party colouration but open to capacity that can move Oyo state forward.” He warned that electing “someone who will not do good work” has consequences: “it is a one-day event, but the impact will last four years.”
4. Systems and Structures Now Drive Continuity, Not Federal Backing: Makinde said his administration “has created structures in the state that would ensure continuity.” That emphasis on systems is among the reasons why Federal might won’t work in 2027 elections. “Leadership changes but systems, they endure. So, our focus has been deliberate,” he said. With institutions strengthened, the governor believes local governance will be decided by performance and track record rather than Abuja’s influence.
5. The People, Not Power Brokers, Will Decide: Finally, Makinde stressed voter sovereignty as one of the reasons why Federal might won’t work in 2027 elections. “I tell people that I will recommend for Oyo state people, but the decision will rest with the people of Oyo state,” he said. Addressing speculations about backing former Finance Commissioner Bimbo Adekanmbi — described by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin as “the consensus gubernatorial candidate of our new party in the State Allied Peoples Movement” — Makinde said he would support anyone loyal to Oyo with capacity to govern.
Conclusion
For Makinde, the reasons why Federal might won’t work in 2027 elections come down to an engaged electorate, strong local systems, and a shift toward merit. “We must get it right,” he said, noting the state has moved beyond identifying opportunities to “creating systems capable of sustaining long-term development and growth.”
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