A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Kunmi Mustapha, has declared his support for Governor Seyi Makinde to contest for Nigeria’s presidency in the 2027 general elections.
Mustapha, who currently serves as the Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the governor, made his position known in a personally signed statement released in Ibadan on Thursday.
The statement came as Governor Makinde marked his sixth year in office, an occasion that Mustapha said reflected the governor’s consistent dedication to good governance.
According to Mustapha, Makinde’s performance in Oyo State sets him apart from his peers and shows that he has the qualities required to lead Nigeria at the national level.
“The current situation of the main opposition party in Nigeria is not an indication that the PDP cannot snatch power at the centre in 2027,” he stated.
Mustapha also noted that Makinde’s commitment to developmental projects across various sectors had transformed Oyo State in significant ways.
These include road construction, urban infrastructure, improvements in education and healthcare, and consistent attention to the welfare of civil servants and vulnerable groups.
“Makinde has distinguished himself as a brave man who exhibits uncommon leadership traits,” Mustapha noted. He also compared Makinde’s leadership vision to that of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, praising him for prioritizing the welfare of the masses.
He said since assuming office in 2015, the governor has focused on promoting agriculture, boosting employment, and ensuring that the elderly and often-overlooked members of society are not left behind.
“Come rain or shine, we commit our loyalty to him. We, therefore, urge him to start working towards 2027,” Mustapha declared.
In addition to his praise for Makinde, Mustapha acknowledged the role of other PDP leaders in sustaining the party’s unity at the national level.
He noted the efforts of acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum, Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, and Board of Trustees member Chief Bode George, among others, for keeping the party stable and focused as 2027 approaches.
