Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Tuesday declared that he possesses the competence and capacity to serve as Nigeria’s president if the opportunity arises.
Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the second-term governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stated, “I don’t have any doubt that I have the capacity to occupy the highest office in this land and I have what it takes.”
He, however, emphasized that any decision to run would be determined by national sentiment and the direction of his political party, saying, “But what I want to do right now, is it what Nigerians are asking for? Is it what my party will say we should do? We don’t know; we still have a long time to go.”
Makinde, who said he remains committed to the mandate given to him by the people of Oyo State, stressed that his immediate focus is governance, not ambition.
“I will not play stunt politics; I will not do things because it feels right in some people’s ears,” he declared. “No, I will stay focused to ensure that we bring dividends of democracy to our people… If I want to contest, I will come out at the appropriate time.”
Makinde added, “One thing you should expect from Seyi Makinde is that he would never come out to say I want to do XYZ without preparations and without being held accountable for whatever he says he wants to do.”
The governor also spoke about the evolving political terrain ahead of the 2027 general elections, making a bold claim: “The 2027 elections would be between Nigerians and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), not between the PDP and the APC.”
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Makinde, Others Distance Themselves from Atiku-Led Coalition
Makinde’s comments came amid the controversy trailing the coalition recently championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures.
On March 20, 2025, Atiku, alongside former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other political figures, announced a coalition aimed at unseating incumbent Bola Tinubu in 2027. The group, citing economic mismanagement and worsening cost of living, vowed to present a united opposition front.
But in a sharp response, PDP governors, including Makinde, rejected the initiative during a meeting in Oyo State on April 14.
Makinde defended the move during the TV interview, saying, “Your house (the PDP) must be in order before you invite others.”
While acknowledging the right of individuals to associate politically, he said the party as an institution has its own position. “Let’s fix our party first,” he added.
PDP Board of Trustees member, Chief Bode George, backed the governors’ stance, asserting that the party must present a strong southern candidate if it hopes to reclaim power.
