The Senior Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Community Relations, Innocent Tallest, has said the governor’s performance in the state has demonstrated his capacity to aspire to the presidency in 2027.

Tallest said Makinde’s record in infrastructure, education, economic development and institutional reforms should be the major considerations for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections, rather than political affiliation, ethnicity or religion.

Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, in Ibadan, Tallest said the governor had transformed the state’s infrastructure, making it easier for residents to travel, conduct business and move agricultural produce across the state.

He cited the improved road network linking Ibadan with Iseyin, Oyo and Ogbomoso as evidence of the administration’s investment in infrastructure, saying the projects had reduced travel difficulties and opened up communities for economic activities.

“First things first, the man has done beautifully well, turning infrastructure around compared to what we met. Then education and economic and institutional reform. These three things are so powerful to every government. And he has touched them, revamped them and turned them around,” he said.

According to him, improved roads have urged investments, expanded access to markets and enabled residents in communities such as Iseyin to travel to Ibadan for work and return home the same day.

He also lauded the administration’s interventions in education, particularly the employment of teachers and provision of learning materials, saying the policies had encouraged more children to remain in school.

“Education is not preparation for life. It’s life itself. If any government fails to give you education, that government wants to kill you. It doesn’t want you alive. So he has done that,” Tallest said.

On the economy, he said the administration’s reforms had contributed to improved internally generated revenue and created a more conducive environment for businesses to operate.

Tallest also dismissed concerns about the state’s agricultural performance, arguing that Oyo had made significant progress in food production and the rehabilitation of farm settlements.

He said the administration’s agricultural interventions had helped more young people acquire farming skills and participate in production rather than depend solely on government empowerment.

Assessing the major challenges confronting the administration since 2019, Tallest identified the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the most difficult periods, particularly because Makinde assumed office as an opposition governor.

He said the administration had to manage the economic and health consequences of the pandemic while also operating in a political environment in which the state was controlled by an opposition party at the federal level.

Tallest praised Makinde’s decision not to impose a complete lockdown on the state, arguing that the policy helped protect businesses and livelihoods.

He said the governor also personally participated in efforts to manage the pandemic and protect residents.

On insecurity, Tallest said the challenge was largely a national problem but commended Makinde for collaborating with security agencies and other formations to protect residents.

He listed the police, Amotekun, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, immigration and other relevant agencies among those working with the state government.

According to him, the state government’s security efforts have helped residents continue farming, travelling and conducting businesses despite the wider insecurity challenges across the country.

He said the governor had demonstrated commitment to protecting residents and responding to security threats whenever they occurred.

On youth unemployment, Tallest said the administration had created employment opportunities through the recruitment of teachers, health workers and personnel for security-related operations.

He also highlighted the government’s agricultural training programmes, saying they had equipped young people with practical skills to become economically productive.

“The government has done a great job. The teachers which they’ve employed during this regime, I can’t count them. Amotekun, too, are employed. Both secondary and primary school teachers were employed. The nurses, the doctors, at least he has done a great job,” he said.

On the 2027 election, Tallest said political parties should not determine voters’ choices, arguing that Nigerians should assess candidates based on their records, competence and capacity to deliver.

He expressed confidence that Makinde’s performance in Oyo State would strengthen his chances if he contested the presidency.

“Party this time around does not really matter. Because most people in those parties are just going there because of the party, not because of what they have to offer,” he said.

Tallest urged voters to reject ethnic, religious and other sentiments and focus on candidates’ ability to improve the lives of citizens.

He said Makinde had demonstrated his capacity to govern despite operating as a member of an opposition party at the federal level.

“If I’m to give a pass mark to who is qualified to be the president today, I will give it to him because if you look at what he has done in your state, give him the little time to do it,” he said.

The governor’s aide also urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying, saying temporary financial inducements could not compensate citizens for four years of poor governance.

He urged voters to think about the future of their children and unborn generations when choosing political leaders.

“Think before you vote. Don’t sell your vote. Even if you collect money, vote your conscience. If they give you money, collect it very well, but vote your conscience,” he said.

Tallest argued that the government should focus on creating an enabling environment for businesses, improving electricity, strengthening security and providing quality healthcare and education.

He said Nigeria had a large pool of skilled graduates, artisans, technicians and entrepreneurs capable of contributing to national development if the right environment was created.

He therefore urged Nigerians to look beyond political, religious and ethnic sentiments in 2027 and vote for candidates with proven records of performance and a clear commitment to improving citizens’ welfare.