Nigerians will reject federal might in 2027, says Makinde

Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the use of “federal might” will not determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that Nigerians are becoming more politically conscious and willing to vote according to their convictions.

Makinde made the remark on Wednesday while speaking at the Oyo State Tourism Summit held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre in Ibadan, where he addressed issues surrounding governance, democracy and the evolving political climate ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The governor said Nigerians were increasingly dissatisfied with the manipulation of the democratic process and would resist attempts by politicians to influence elections through state power and intimidation.

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“I believe that this election cycle, federal might will not work. It has worked in Ekiti State in both instances but this time around, Nigerians will show politicians pepper,” Makinde said.

His comments come amid growing political realignments and early permutations ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties and stakeholders already raising concerns about the misuse of federal institutions during elections.

In Nigeria’s political lexicon, “federal might” refers to the deployment of the influence and resources of the federal government, including security agencies and political structures, to sway electoral outcomes in favour of the ruling party. The term has remained a recurring issue in discussions around electoral credibility since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

Makinde, a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, suggested that the electorate was becoming more aware of its democratic power and less susceptible to political pressure.

The governor cited previous governorship elections in Ekiti State where the influence of the federal government was believed by critics to have shaped electoral outcomes, but argued that the political atmosphere ahead of 2027 appeared different.

According to him, rising economic hardship, growing public frustration and increased civic awareness are likely to shape voter behaviour more than political intimidation or institutional influence.

Political analysts say Makinde’s remarks reflect wider concerns among opposition figures over the conduct of future elections and the need for stronger democratic institutions capable of ensuring credible polls.

The governor has in recent months emerged as one of the influential voices within the opposition camp, particularly following internal debates over coalition-building and strategies to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of 2027.

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Although Makinde did not directly mention President Bola Tinubu or the federal government in his speech, his comments are expected to generate political reactions across party lines as discussions about succession politics and electoral reforms continue to intensify.

The Oyo tourism summit, where the governor spoke, was primarily organised to explore investment opportunities in tourism, culture and the creative economy. However, Makinde used the occasion to also reflect on governance and democratic accountability, stressing that the future of Nigeria’s democracy ultimately rests in the hands of the people.

He maintained that voters would play a decisive role in determining the direction of the country in 2027, insisting that political power must derive from the will of the electorate rather than the influence of incumbency.