*2027: Will Nigeria Miss Another Opportunity by Overlooking Seyi Makinde?”.* By Azeez Sodiq Adesina (Mitpn)

Sometimes, the cost of a political decision is not fully understood until the consequences begin to unfold. If Nigerians fail to give serious consideration to Governor Seyi Makinde as a potential successor to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, we may one day look back with regret, much like those who believe the APC missed an opportunity by choosing Tinubu over Professor Yemi Osinbajo during its presidential primaries.

In my considered opinion, Governor Seyi Makinde stands among the most remarkable leaders Oyo State has produced. His approach to governance, commitment to infrastructure, and emphasis on development have earned him considerable goodwill among many residents of the state. Whatever political calculations his opponents may be making, the confidence he has built among his supporters cannot simply be dismissed through political alliances, propaganda, or attempts to undermine his achievements.

This is precisely why Nigerians must begin to look beyond party affiliations, political sentiments and the familiar arguments of partisan loyalty. The presidency is too important to be reduced to a contest of political interests. It demands a leader with vision, courage, administrative competence, and a genuine understanding of the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens. Makinde deserves serious consideration in that national conversation.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambition to secure a second term should be subjected to the honest judgment of Nigerians. An incumbent government should not automatically earn another four years simply because it occupies the corridors of power. Re-election must be justified by the realities of governance and the tangible difference made in the lives of the people.

For millions of Nigerians, the prevailing economic situation has become a daily test of endurance. The rising cost of food, persistent inflation, expensive transportation, declining purchasing power, and the growing cost of running businesses have placed enormous pressure on households, traders, entrepreneurs, and working-class citizens. Many families are struggling to meet basic needs, while numerous businesses face difficult choices about survival, expansion, and employment.

The question is simple: how can a government convincingly ask for another mandate when so many citizens are still waiting to feel meaningful relief from the economic difficulties confronting them?

The promise of renewed hope must mean more than political slogans. Hope must be visible in the market, at the petrol station, in the workplace, in the classroom, and around the family dinner table. It must translate into affordable living, improved opportunities, stronger purchasing power, and a future in which hard work offers a reasonable path to a better life.

Leadership should ultimately be measured by outcomes, not merely by speeches, campaign promises, or explanations from political loyalists. While governments may face genuine challenges, citizens are entitled to ask difficult questions and demand accountability. The welfare of the people must remain the central measure of public service.

Nigeria is bigger than any political party, and the future of its citizens is more important than the ambition of any individual politician.

As the 2027 general election approaches, Nigerians have an opportunity to reflect carefully on the direction of the country and the kind of leadership they want for the years ahead. We must examine records, assess policies, compare alternatives, and make decisions based on evidence, competence, and the prospect of a better future.

For me, the choice is clear: Nigeria needs a new national conversation about leadership, one that places the interests of ordinary people above political convenience. Governor Seyi Makinde deserves to be part of that conversation, while President Tinubu’s second-term ambition must face the scrutiny of the electorate.

We cannot afford to treat the future of our country as a game of political loyalty. The stakes are too high, the economic pressures are too real, and the expectations of Nigerians are too important to ignore.

2027 is another opportunity to make our voices count. Let us demand accountability, insist on competence, and put the Nigerian people at the centre of every political decision.

Enough of empty assurances. Enough of leadership without measurable relief. It is time to put the people first.