Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has made a bold declaration, stating that he is fully qualified to contest in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Fashola Farm in Oyo Town on Friday, Makinde dismissed growing speculations about his political ambitions as unnecessary and unwarranted. He emphasized that he is old enough and capable of speaking for himself when it comes to any potential political moves. “I’m old enough if I want to do something, I will come out and say, this is what I want to do,” he stated firmly.
The governor’s comments come amid ongoing rumors about his 2027 presidential aspirations, which he described as unfounded. “We didn’t host the PDP reporters’ retreat because somebody has a presidential ambition,” he added, dismissing any claims that his actions were motivated by presidential intentions. Makinde stressed, “No comment, nothing,” making it clear that speculation around his political future was not his concern. He further asserted that when the time comes, he would make his intentions clear, saying, “So, no speculation, nobody can push my agenda. I will push my agenda when the time comes.”
Makinde took the opportunity to reflect on his journey in politics, recalling his election as governor despite facing numerous challenges. He noted that he had been rejected twice in Senate bids before being elected as governor in 2019. “Oyo State people took a decision in 2019,” he recalled. “We did not have a godfather. Nobody sponsored me, and nobody gave me a dime for us to get in here, but the people of Oyo State decided we wanted to give this opportunity to an outsider.”
The governor acknowledged that his political experience was limited before running for office. “What has he done before? Has he been a councillor? No. Has he been to the House of Representatives? No. What about the Senate? I tried twice but was rejected,” he said. Despite his lack of political experience, Makinde attributed his success to the support of the Oyo people, stating, “Because I had no experience, I wanted to convince the people.”
Makinde also touched on his accomplishments since becoming governor, emphasizing the importance of accountability. “We produced a document, Road Map to Accelerated Development of Oyo State, 2019-2023, and I said to the people, this is it in black and white, hold me accountable, and they gave us the opportunity,” he said, expressing satisfaction with the progress made under his leadership. “Thank God it is being done,” he added, pointing to the ongoing developments in the state.
In a broader political context, Makinde cautioned against the rise of a one-party system in Nigeria, warning that it would stifle the country’s democratic growth. “Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state so that others will have the opportunity to showcase their talents,” he said, underscoring the need for diversity in the nation’s political landscape.
Makinde’s comments have set the stage for increased speculation about his future in Nigerian politics, with the 2027 presidential race likely to be a key focus in the coming years. However, the governor remains resolute, stating that when he decides to run for higher office, he will do so openly and without hesitation.
