Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he possesses the experience and credentials required to seek Nigeria’s highest political office, amid growing speculation about his potential presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The conversation gained momentum after campaign posters bearing Makinde’s image reportedly appeared in parts of Jigawa State, fueling talks that the two-term governor may be positioning himself to challenge President Bola Tinubu. Reacting to the development during a media interaction with selected journalists in Ibadan on Tuesday, Makinde said he meets all the necessary qualifications to run for president.
According to the governor, his record in public service and the private sector places him on solid footing for national leadership. He noted that serving two terms as governor is a strong foundation for higher office, pointing out that similar experience paved the way for the current president.
“I am qualified to serve this country at the highest level,” Makinde said. “I have governed Oyo State, and by May 2027, I would have completed two terms. The president himself came to the national stage after serving two terms as governor of Lagos State. Beyond politics, I also built and managed a successful company from a young age.”
Beyond addressing the speculation around his ambition, Makinde made it clear that he would not support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. He stressed that his stance is driven by principle rather than personal rivalry, arguing that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected from sliding into a one-party system.
The Oyo governor also took a subtle jab at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisting that no individual has the authority to dictate political allegiance to others. He recounted being present at a meeting involving President Tinubu, Wike and other political figures, during which Wike reportedly pledged to mobilise the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in support of Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
Makinde said the declaration came as a surprise to him and made it clear that he would not associate with such an arrangement. “Wike is free to support whoever he chooses, but I will not be part of any plan to hand over the PDP to another party,” he stated.
He further clarified that President Tinubu did not request such support, noting that the offer was made independently by the FCT minister. According to Makinde, his refusal to back Tinubu in 2027 is rooted in his commitment to preserving multi-party democracy, strengthening the PDP as an opposition force, and ensuring Nigerians retain meaningful political choices.
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As 2027 approaches, Makinde’s comments are likely to intensify conversations around the opposition’s strategy and the emerging field of potential presidential contenders.
