IBADAN, Oyo State — Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that his campaign for the 2027 presidential election will be anchored on a fundamental “reset” of Nigeria, with the interests and welfare of citizens placed above political, ethnic and religious considerations.
Makinde, in his latest newsletter, said the 2027 election should provide Nigerians with an opportunity to engage meaningfully on the country’s challenges, its future and the leadership required to move the nation forward.
“For me, this campaign will be about putting Nigerians first,” the governor said, stressing that his objective would be to “reset our country so that it works for all Nigerians, not just a select few.”
As part of his campaign strategy, Makinde disclosed plans to embark on a nationwide engagement across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones in the coming months. He said the tour would provide an avenue to present his ideas to stakeholders while listening directly to citizens about their experiences, concerns and aspirations.
According to him, the engagement will include workers grappling with declining purchasing power, business owners struggling with rising operational costs, farmers confronted by insecurity and limited access to markets, young Nigerians seeking opportunities, and families concerned about safety and economic stability.
Makinde also disclosed that his proposed manifesto, titled “The Reset Agenda,” is currently undergoing review and wider stakeholder consultation.
He said the agenda would provide policy direction on some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, the rising cost of living and food security. Beyond outlining policy proposals, he said the manifesto would also detail how the policies would be implemented, financed and subjected to measurable performance assessment.
The governor urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 election with a focus on substance rather than political rhetoric, urging voters to assess candidates based on their records, ideas, competence and capacity to deliver tangible results.
He cautioned against allowing campaign slogans, personalities and political theatrics to overshadow the issues that directly affect the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.
Makinde’s position effectively frames the forthcoming presidential contest as a debate over governance, national renewal and measurable performance, rather than one driven solely by political affiliations, ethnic identities or religious sentiments.
