Calls for Governor Seyi Makinde to run for president in 2027 are already getting loud in Oyo State, his appointees and local government officials say he’s the only hope Nigeria has left, hailing him as the man who can fix the country. But Makinde for President?
The Praise Parade
This week, hundreds of local government officials gathered in Ibadan, praising Makinde for transforming Oyo State and urging him to take his “magic” to Aso Rock. From chairmen to councillors, everyone had one message, “Go for it, sir.”
No doubt, Makinde has done well for his state. His reforms in education, infrastructure, and governance have brought Oyo some stability. But Nigeria is not Oyo. The kind of politics at the federal level is a different battlefield. The fact that his supporters believe he’s ready doesn’t mean he should jump in yet.
2027 Is Already Crowded
By 2027, the political field will be full of old heavyweights and new dreamers. Every region will push a candidate. Some with money, others with long political roots. Joining that race now could throw Makinde into unnecessary chaos that could ruin the quiet strength he’s building.
The truth is, timing in politics is everything. Declaring too early or giving in to the crowd’s emotion has destroyed many political journeys.
When Applause Becomes a Trap
The rally at the Oyo Secretariat looked like a celebration of loyalty, but it also smelled of pressure. Sometimes applause can be the most dangerous sound in politics. It tells you what you want to hear, not what you need to do. Makinde’s people may mean well, but they could also be pushing him into a ring he’s not meant to enter yet.
If he truly wants a national future, this is the time to build alliances quietly, not chase cheers publicly. The presidency should be a marathon, not a sprint driven by praise-singers.
Let Him Rest, Let Him Prepare
Makinde has proven that good governance is still possible in Nigeria, but leadership isn’t just about performance, it’s about patience. He’s still young, still capable, and still has time. Entering the 2027 race may look reasonable, but it could be too soon. A great leader doesn’t move because of pressure, he moves because the moment is right.
He should remember that not every open door leads to destiny, some lead to distraction.
The Bottom Line
Nigeria’s problem is not just the absence of good leaders, it’s also the obsession with rushing them into battles before their time. If Makinde truly wants to lead the nation someday, he must learn from the failures of others who mistook applause for a calling.
Maybe the real leadership now is to say no, to watch the chaos of 2027 from a distance, strengthen his base, and return when the noise has settled.
After all, in this country where everyone claims to be the only hope, the wisest man is the one who knows when to wait.
