The Oyo State Governor reveals how his campaign team was warned against venturing into South-East Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential race
Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has made a bold revelation that will set tongues wagging across Nigeria’s political landscape. The outspoken governor disclosed that members of his campaign team were strongly advised against taking their presidential ambition into the South-East — widely regarded as the political fortress of Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
“Enter That Place? They Said Forget It”
In what many Nigerians would call a classic case of political fear-mongering, Makinde revealed that voices within and around his camp raised serious concerns about stepping foot in Igbo land to campaign. The South-East, which became a near-impenetrable stronghold for Peter Obi during the historic 2023 presidential election, was painted as no-go territory for any rival presidential hopeful.
But if you know Seyi Makinde, you know he is not a man easily shaken by political intimidation.
The Obidient Movement’s Shadow Looms Large
The 2023 general elections showed Nigerians — and the whole world — just how deeply rooted Peter Obi’s support base is across the five South-Eastern states. The “Obidient Movement” swept through Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi states like harmattan wildfire, delivering overwhelming numbers that left both the APC and PDP scrambling for explanations.
It is therefore no surprise that as 2027 begins to take shape on Nigeria’s political horizon, the South-East remains a region that many presidential hopefuls approach with extreme caution — or avoid altogether.
Makinde Stands His Ground
Despite the warnings, Makinde’s decision to address the situation publicly signals that he is not willing to cede any geopolitical zone without a fight. For a governor who has earned significant goodwill through his development-focused administration in Oyo State, the message is clear — he intends to run a truly national campaign that does not skip any corner of Nigeria.
This kind of boldness will resonate with many Nigerians who are tired of politicians who only campaign where votes are “guaranteed” and ignore regions they consider hostile territory.
What This Means for 2027
As Nigeria’s major political parties continue to reposition ahead of the 2027 elections, Makinde’s revelation raises important questions:
– Can any candidate truly break Peter Obi’s grip on the South-East?
– Will the Obidient Movement remain as powerful in 2027 as it was in 2023?
– Is Makinde serious about building a pan-Nigerian movement, or is this just political talk?
One thing is certain — the road to Aso Rock in 2027 runs through every geopolitical zone, and any candidate who writes off the South-East does so at their own peril.
As Nigerians like to say, “the race don start” — and it is already getting interesting.
Stay with us for more updates on Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race as the drama continues to unfold.
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