A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Adetokunbo Pearse, says Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is good presidential material and will serve the country well if given the opportunity.

Mr Pearse said this during an interview on Tuesday in Lagos.

He said calls from loyalists and politicians across the country for the governor to contest in 2027 showed that many Nigerians believed in his capacity to lead.

Mr Pearse said that Mr Makinde understood security, economy, equity and modern governance and that the nation would support him, citing his performance and leadership style as governor.

The chieftain said that Mr Makinde would enjoy massive support across the country if he secures the PDP presidential ticket.

“If Governor Seyi Makinde clinches the PDP ticket for president in 2027, the people of the South-West will support him because the Yoruba people appreciate an omoluabi, a distinguished gentleman in politics,” Mr Pearse said.

He added that Mr Makinde’s giant strides in Oyo State would also boost his acceptability beyond the South-West.

“The South-South and the South-East will evaluate his record and support him because of his brilliant performance in developing Oyo State as governor in eight years,” Mr Pearse said.

Speaking further, the PDP stalwart argued that Mr Makinde’s approach to security and fairness would resonate strongly with northern voters.

Mr Pearse described Mr Makinde as a symbol of a new generation of leadership Nigerians were yearning for.

“Makinde is youthful, in his 50s. He is dynamic and visionary. Makinde’s generation has come of age,” he said.

Mr Pearse stressed the need for a shift from the old political order to younger and more technologically driven leadership.

He said, “Makinde represents the new tech-savvy generation that has inevitably come to replace the old political class of leaders in their 70s and 80s. The time for this progressive change is now. Nigeria is ready and waiting.”

Mr Pearse said that the PDP had bounced back solidly to contest in the 2027 general elections. 

(NAN)