I Have No Godfather; God, Nigerians Behind Me To Defeat Tinubu– Makinde
I Have No Godfather; God, Nigerians Behind Me To Defeat Tinubu– Makinde
Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has declared that he is confident of winning the 2027 presidential election, insisting that he has God and Nigerians on his side.
Makinde made the declaration on Sunday during a church service at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Jos, Plateau State, where he dismissed the need for political godfathers, saying his ambition was endorsed by God and the Nigerian people.
The governor, who is seeking to succeed President Bola Tinubu, said his presidential ambition was driven by the need to reset the country and tackle its deepening challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, poor education and problems within the socio-political system.
In a statement issued by his campaign’s Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, Makinde recalled how he overcame doubts about his political ambition before becoming governor of Oyo State in 2019.
The statement read in part, “The APM presidential candidate specifically said that his aspiration is not backed by any political godfather but by God Almighty and the people of Nigeria.
“He expressed optimism that God would be merciful to Nigerians by providing the right leadership through the 2027 presidential election.
“According to Makinde, ‘When I said in Oyo State in 2018 that I would like to be governor, somebody asked me, “Governor of which Rotary District?” I said Governor of Oyo State, and they asked, “With no godfather; nobody in politics who can stand in for you?” I responded by saying, well, I have God the Father. And I became the Governor of Oyo State.
“‘This time around, we also have God the Father, and God will be merciful unto Nigeria and He will show us mercy in this country.’”
Makinde said his administration in Oyo State had been guided by planning, transparency and accountability, with development road maps covering his two terms from 2019 to 2027.
He added that his Reset Nigeria Agenda, which he is presenting to Nigerians ahead of the election, is built around four key priorities: security, the economy, education and the socio-political system.
Presenting the manifesto to church leaders, the governor challenged Nigerians to hold him accountable for every promise and commitment contained in the document.
The statement further read, “While presenting the Reset Nigeria Manifesto to the leadership of the Church, Makinde asked Nigerians to hold him accountable for the promises in the document.
“‘I want Nigerians to be able to hold me accountable, not just through promises but through documented commitments. Everything is written down in black and white, and I am prepared to be held accountable for everything contained in this document.’”
The APM candidate also urged Nigerians, especially Christians, to get involved in politics and prepare to make their voices count in the 2027 presidential election.
He said, “Please, get ready and participate. History is about to happen again.”
Meanwhile, the President of COCIN, Rev. Amos Mohzo, urged Makinde to confront Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and economic hardship, while praying for his success in the presidential race.
Mohzo also encouraged him to sustain his campaign, expressing hope that God’s will would prevail in his political journey.
Makinde, who flagged off his presidential campaign in Bauchi State on Saturday, is in Jos for the APM’s Plateau State rally scheduled for Monday at Rayfield Park.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential election.
