Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who is the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), has appointed Felix Hyat, a former Minister of Aviation, as the director-general of his campaign organisation, Makinde-Duara Campaign Organisation. This appointment was announced in a statement issued in Abuja by Makinde's Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Anthony Ehilebo. Hyat, a former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State, will head the National Campaign Management Committee (NCMC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde's campaign organisation will be supported by two deputy directors-general, Inna Ciroma and Anthony Aziegbemi. Ciroma, a former Minister of Women Affairs and women leader of the PDP, brings extensive experience in mobilisation and political strategy. Aziegbemi, a former member of the House of Representatives and PDP chairman in Edo State, will also contribute to the campaign's organisation and engagement across the country. The appointments aim to leverage the appointees' public service experience and political networks to drive the campaign's 'Reset Nigeria' agenda.
According to Makinde, the appointments bring together a wealth of experience in political strategy, administration, and mobilisation. He expressed confidence that Hyat's decades of public service and wide political network, alongside the experience of Ciroma and Aziegbemi, will strengthen the campaign's organisation and engagement across the country. The 'Reset Nigeria' agenda is expected to be a key focus of the campaign, with the goal of driving positive change in the country.
In addition to the appointments of Hyat, Ciroma, and Aziegbemi, Makinde also announced directors to oversee various campaign departments. Mark Jacob has been appointed to oversee Legal and Compliance, while Richard Ihediwa will head Strategic Communications. Suleiman Kankia has been appointed to oversee Security and Intelligence. These appointments are expected to help drive the campaign's operations and ensure a successful outcome in the 2027 general elections.
Makinde urged his supporters to remain steadfast as preparations for the elections intensified. He also called on APM members, supporters, and friends, as well as Nigerians who share the 'Reset Nigeria' vision, to work together toward the 2027 general elections. The governor's message is one of unity and cooperation, as he seeks to build a broad coalition of support for his campaign.
The appointment of Hyat as campaign DG is seen as a strategic move by Makinde to strengthen his campaign organisation. With Hyat's experience and network, the campaign is expected to gain momentum and traction across the country. The 'Reset Nigeria' agenda is expected to be a key plank of the campaign, with Makinde seeking to present himself as a candidate who can drive positive change in the country.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Makinde's campaign is expected to intensify its activities. With a strong team in place, led by Hyat, Ciroma, and Aziegbemi, the campaign is well-positioned to engage with voters and present its vision for the country's future. The outcome of the elections will depend on various factors, including the campaign's ability to mobilise support and present a compelling vision for Nigeria's future.
Key points
- Makinde appoints former Minister of Aviation Felix Hyat as director-general of his campaign organisation for the 2027 general elections.
