*2027 General Election and the Choice Before Nigerians | Deji Ola*

While growing up, we were familiar with the nursery-school pattern of learning the alphabet as “A for Apple, B for Boy, C for Cat.” In recent times, however, some of these conventions have evolved to align with contemporary standards, “A as in Apple, B as in Ball, and C as in Cat.”

The same applies to everyday expressions. For many years, I casually referred to a dustpan as a “Parker.” Recently, while conversing with my five-year-old son, he corrected me and reminded me that the proper name is simply “dustpan.”

These simple analogies illustrate an important reality: the world is constantly changing, and we must be willing to evolve with it. From education and technology to governance and leadership, society cannot afford to remain stuck in old ways simply because they were once familiar.

This brings us to the political debate surrounding the 2027 general election and, more importantly, the choices before Nigerians.

Among the leading contenders are Governor Seyi Makinde of the APM, aged 58; Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the ADC, aged 79; Peter Obi of the NDC, aged 65; and the incumbent President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aged 74.

For some, age is merely a number. However, when we consider the evolution of leadership, technological advancement, and the rapidly changing realities of the modern world, the question Nigerians should ask is whether our next leader possesses an ideology, energy, vision, and mindset that resonate with the demands of contemporary Nigeria.

There are several other important metrics worthy of consideration. These include the ability to make timely and informed decisions, physical and mental vitality, openness to new ideas, adaptability to technological advancement, and the assertiveness required to lead a country at a critical juncture.

Nigeria needs a leader who is not only experienced but also energetic, responsive, forward-looking, and capable of running the race of good governance with the urgency that our circumstances demand.

This argument is not intended to diminish the knowledge, experience, or contributions of our older political leaders. Their wealth of experience remains valuable and can continue to serve the nation, particularly in advisory and elder-statesman capacities. However, leadership positions that require tremendous energy, constant engagement, rapid decision-making, and an intimate understanding of the aspirations of younger generations may increasingly benefit from youthful leadership.

If you ask me, Governor Seyi Makinde ticks many of these boxes. Beyond his relatively youthful age, his experience and record in Oyo State provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess his leadership credentials. The developmental strides recorded in Oyo State, coupled with his energetic and pragmatic approach to governance, make him a candidate worthy of serious consideration at the national level.

The “Omo Akin” and “Ajisebioyo Laari” philosophy could potentially take on a national dimension if Nigerians choose to entrust him with the leadership of the country.

The 2027 election presents Nigerians with an important opportunity to think beyond political affiliations, sentiments, and the recycling of familiar names. We must consider the kind of leadership that can respond effectively to the realities of today while preparing the country for the challenges of tomorrow.

Let us not overlook the choice of Seyi Makinde before us. Nigeria deserves the best, leadership that is energetic, forward-looking, adaptable, and prepared to build for the future, rather than simply recycling the old ways of doing things.