Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde recently made headlines by declaring that the South-West region of Nigeria will not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This bold statement stems from the growing discontent among Nigerians regarding the hardships they have faced under the current APC government. Governor Makinde, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasized that the people of the South-West have learned valuable lessons from their previous voting decisions.
During his campaign in Ondo State, Governor Makinde highlighted that many Yoruba people, who predominantly inhabit the South-West, now regret their support for Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections. He stated that the challenges of the present have opened the eyes of the electorate to the mistakes made in the past. The economic difficulties, coupled with insecurity and rising living costs, have prompted a reevaluation of political loyalties among the electorate.
In stark contrast, the APC’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, expressed confidence in the party’s ability to reclaim the South-West for the next elections. During a recent stakeholders meeting aimed at reconciling party leaders, he assured members that the APC would regain support in the region for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa downplayed the PDP’s influence, asserting that the opposition party is “dead” in Ondo as many of its leaders have defected to the APC.
Despite these assertions from APC leaders, Makinde remained steadfast in his belief that the PDP still holds significant sway in the South-West. He stated that the APC’s optimism might be misguided, suggesting that the reality on the ground would reveal a different story during the elections.
Makinde underscored the importance of the upcoming election on November 16, 2024, stating, “The people of Ondo State will speak loud and clear.” He believes that voters will use this opportunity to express their dissatisfaction with the current government and demonstrate their support for the PDP. He noted that discussions and promises made by APC leaders should be taken with skepticism, as the true voice of the people would be heard through their votes.
In his address, Governor Makinde did not shy away from critiquing the APC government, stating that the challenges faced by the South-West—such as widespread hunger and economic instability—cannot solely be attributed to past elections. He lamented that some supporters of the APC are more concerned with party loyalty than the realities facing the average Nigerian. Makinde called out those who have continued to support Tinubu, arguing that their blind allegiance ignores the pressing issues affecting their communities.
He remarked, “Talk is cheap. You can say whatever you like with your mouth, but the people of Ondo State will make their voices heard.” This statement reflects his confidence in the electorate’s ability to make informed choices based on their experiences rather than party affiliation.