Governor Seyi Makinde Predicts 2027 Election as ‘Nigerians vs. APC’, Blames Ruling Party for Economic and Security Woes

Governor Seyi Makinde Predicts 2027 Election as ‘Nigerians vs. APC’, Blames Ruling Party for Economic and Security Woes

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stirred political discourse by asserting that the 2027 presidential election will not be a direct contest between his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Instead, he framed it as a broader battle between the Nigerian people and the APC, signaling growing discontent with the current administration.

In an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday, Makinde emphasized that the upcoming election would serve as a referendum on the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s government. “The 2027 election won’t be PDP versus APC; it would be Nigerians versus APC.

Mark my word on that,” the governor declared, underscoring his belief that public frustration with the APC’s policies would dominate the political landscape.

Makinde’s comments come amid mounting criticism of the federal government’s handling of Nigeria’s economic challenges and security issues. He accused the APC of exacerbating the country’s economic instability, pointing to factors such as rising inflation, currency devaluation, and widespread hardship. “The economy is wobbling, and security challenges are escalating under this administration,” he said, linking these problems to what he described as poor governance decisions.

The Oyo State governor positioned the 2027 election as a “judgment time” for President Tinubu, suggesting that voters would use the polls to hold the APC accountable.

He expressed optimism about the PDP’s role in this scenario, portraying his party as the “hope of the common man.” Makinde also reflected on the PDP’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, which the party lost to Tinubu’s APC.

He assured that lessons had been learned, stating, “We won’t make the mistake that made us lose the 2023 presidential poll.” While he did not specify the mistakes, political analysts interpret this as a reference to internal divisions, strategic errors, and voter outreach failures that plagued the PDP during the last cycle.

Makinde, a prominent figure in the PDP and a key voice in Nigeria’s opposition politics, has been vocal about the need for unity among opposition parties to challenge the APC.

His statements align with broader calls from PDP leaders for a cohesive strategy ahead of the 2027 elections. However, the governor’s remarks have already drawn reactions from APC supporters, who dismissed them as partisan rhetoric.

In a brief response, an APC spokesperson accused Makinde of deflecting from his own state’s challenges, though they stopped short of a detailed rebuttal.

The timing of Makinde’s interview is significant, as Nigeria grapples with a cost-of-living crisis and ongoing security threats, including banditry, kidnappings, and communal violence.

Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicates that inflation has surged to over 30%, fueling public anger and protests in various parts of the country. Makinde’s narrative taps into this sentiment, positioning the PDP as a viable alternative that prioritizes the needs of everyday Nigerians.

As the 2027 election cycle begins to take shape, Makinde’s bold prediction could galvanize opposition efforts and influence public discourse. Political observers note that if economic and security conditions do not improve, the APC may face an uphill battle, potentially turning the election into the people-versus-government showdown that Makinde envisions.

This development highlights the deepening polarization in Nigerian politics, with the PDP seeking to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments. As parties gear up for the next electoral contest, the coming years will likely see intensified debates on governance, accountability, and national progress.