Hearts Over Ballots: Why Seyi Makinde Is The Intentional Leader Nigeria Needs in 2027
A foresmost Social-Political group, The GSM Advocates, says Governor Seyi Makinde’s record in Oyo State proves he has the capacity, vision and compassion to provide better governance for Nigeria than the current APC-led federal government if elected President in 2027.
In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday in Ibadan, the group said Nigerians are tired of promises without results and are now looking for leaders with verifiable records of service delivery, accountability and impact.
“Every leader dreams of winning elections, but only a few win hearts. The greatest reward of leadership is not applause on a podium, but the genuine smile of an ordinary citizen whose life has been touched. In moments like this, you realise that true leadership is measured not by power, but by the trust and joy it inspires. That is the story Gov. Seyi Makinde continues to write,” the statement read.
The group argued that what Oyo State has experienced under Makinde in the last 7 years is exactly what Nigeria needs at the national level: leadership that prioritizes the people, manages resources well, and delivers projects that matter.
They listed the governor’s interventions in education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, agriculture and youth development as proof. According to GSM Advocates, the renovation and equipping of over 200 primary healthcare centers, recruitment of teachers and health workers, upgrade of public schools, and massive road projects across the 3 senatorial zones have brought government closer to the people.
The group contrasted this with what they described as the failures of the APC federal government, citing rising cost of living, worsening insecurity, decaying public infrastructure, and lack of empathy in policy implementation. They said Nigerians have watched for years as policies were announced without proper planning, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the burden.
“Under APC, Nigerians have been told to ‘endure.’ Under Makinde in Oyo, people have been given reasons to hope. That is the difference between government by propaganda and government by results,” the group stated.
GSM Advocates said a President Seyi Makinde would take to Aso Rock the same principles that have worked in Oyo: transparency in budgeting, completion of inherited projects, direct engagement with citizens, and investment in human capital. They noted that Makinde does not govern by noise, but by measurable outcomes that can be seen in communities.
The group also highlighted the governor’s approach to youth and economic development. They pointed to skill acquisition programs, support for MSMEs, tech initiatives, and agricultural programs designed to create jobs and keep young people productive within the state.
“Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people, especially the youth. But for years, federal policies have pushed them to the margins. Makinde has shown that when you invest in people first, the economy follows. A President Makinde will multiply opportunities instead of monopolizing them,” GSM Advocates said.
The advocates maintained that 2027 should not be about party loyalty alone, but about competence and character. They said Makinde has demonstrated both in Oyo, and that scaling those values to the national level will reset governance and restore public trust.
They added that Nigerians deserve a president who understands that leadership is service, not entitlement; who measures success by the number of lives improved, not by political titles; and who will govern with empathy, discipline and a clear agenda.
“As a proud son of Nigeria, we believe Gov. Seyi Makinde represents the future we all seek. He has governed a complex state like Oyo with focus and results. We are confident he will do better than the APC government and give Nigerians the purposeful, intentional leadership they deserve in 2027,” the statement concluded.
GSM Advocates is a social-political group committed to promoting good governance, accountability and the achievements of the Seyi Makinde administration in Oyo State.