April 19, 2025 – The Progressive Youth’s For Makinde’s Presidency 2027 (PYMP2027) has issued a strong statement urging Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to consider running for President in the 2027 election. The group, a significant part of the PDP National Rebranding Forum, also vehemently dismissed recent comments made by former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose regarding Makinde’s potential candidacy.
In a recent interview, Fayose claimed that Makinde had personally told him he was not interested in running for President in 2027 and attributed the circulation of supportive flyers to “overzealous boys.”
The PYMP2027, however, refuted Fayose’s claims, stating unequivocally that they have no official relationship with Governor Makinde and have never discussed the 2027 Presidential election with anyone affiliated with him.
“While H.E. Fayose is entitled to his own opinion, we feel compelled to set the record straight,” said Prince Christopher Odianarewo, National Secretary/Head Media Team of the PDP National Rebranding Forum and National Convener of PYMP2027. “The Progressive Youth’s For Makinde’s Presidency 2027 has never claimed any direct or indirect relationship with H.E. Governor Seyi Makinde. Furthermore, we have never discussed our mission or activities, directly or by proxy, with anyone affiliated with Governor Makinde concerning the 2027 Presidency.”
The group’s call for Makinde arises from their deep concern over the current state of Nigeria under the APC-led federal government. They cite the plummeting Naira, unchecked insecurity in the North, escalating housing costs, and the collapsing educational system as evidence of the country’s decline. They believe Nigeria needs a leader capable of tackling these critical issues.
“Our beloved country is decaying. Therefore, we have taken the initiative to identify individuals we believe can lead Nigeria out of this crisis,” Odianarewo stated. “Our thorough research has led us to H.E. Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, and we are convinced he is the leader we need.”
The PYMP2027 highlights Governor Makinde’s achievements in Oyo State, particularly in healthcare, education, security, housing, roads, agriculture, and fostering religious and political harmony. They believe his “bold and intelligent approach to problem-solving” makes him uniquely qualified to address Nigeria’s national challenges.
The press release dismisses Fayose’s assertions as “childish talk” and emphasized that the call for Makinde to run is not mere political maneuvering but a “clarion call to service” that transcends party lines, ethnicity, and religion.
“The call for Governor Makinde to contest the 2027 presidential election is not mere political posturing. It is a clarion call to service, transcending party lines, ethnicity, and religion. It is a call to save our nation from total collapse and to save Nigeria,” the statement read.
The PYMP2027 also addressed accusations of being “overzealous” or acting on behalf of the APC, stating that they are driven by a genuine desire to see Nigeria thrive and are committed to the PDP’s future.
As the 2027 election cycle approaches, the PYMP2027’s endorsement of Governor Makinde is likely to fuel further speculation and discussion about his potential candidacy. The group’s strong rebuttal of Fayose’s claims underscores the growing momentum behind the movement to encourage Makinde to enter the presidential race.
