A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, Kunmi Mustapha, on Thursday, backed Governor Seyi Makinde for President in 2027.

Mustapha, in a statement he signed in Ibadan, the state capital, to mark Makinde’s sixth anniversary as governor, said the bravery and leadership qualities the governor exhibited placed him a better candidate for the presidency.

“The current situation of the main opposition party in Nigeria is not an indication that the PDP cannot snatch power at the centre in 2027.

“Makinde’s giant strides in developing the state and his contributions to the progress of Nigeria are unequal,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to look out for real politicians who have their welfare at heart, rather than those who create suffering for them.

“Makinde has distinguished himself as a brave man who exhibits uncommon leadership traits.

“There has not been any politician in Yorubaland, apart from Pa Obafemi Awolowo, who has a vision for the development of the masses and put all his heart into actualising those visions.

“Urban renewal, education, health and infrastructural revamping are part of where he scored greatly, not to talk of promotion of agri-economy, workers’ welfare, unequal employment drive and care for the elderly and other neglected population of the state since he assumed office in 2015,” he said.

Mustapha, who is also the Special Adviser to Makinde on Political Affairs, said, “Come rain or shine, we commit our loyalty to him. We, therefore, urge him to start working towards 2027.”

The party chieftain appreciated the efforts of the acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, the Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, BoT member, Chief Bode George and other national leaders for their efforts in uniting the party.