2027 : I’m well qualified to run for president, says Gov Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has indicated that he is qualified to run for the 2027 presidential election but emphasized that any decision regarding his political future will be communicated at his discretion.

Makinde made the remarks on Friday while speaking with journalists during a visit to Fashola Farm in Oyo Town.

He dismissed ongoing speculations about his political ambitions, asserting that such conjectures were premature and unneeded.

Addressing his ability to control his political narrative, Makinde said he would make his intentions known publicly if and when he deems fit.

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“We didn’t host the PDP reporters’ retreat because somebody has a presidential ambition. No comment, nothing. But all I can say to you is, I’m old enough. If I want to do something, I will come out and say, ‘This is what I want to do.’

“So, no speculation, nobody can push my agenda. I will push my agenda when the time comes,” Makinde stated.

Reflecting on his political journey, Makinde highlighted the challenges he overcame, including two failed attempts at securing a Senate seat, before winning the governorship with the backing of Oyo State residents.

“Oyo State people took a decision in 2019. 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 to give this opportunity to an outsider.

“And before that, you will see videos saying, ‘Oh, Seyi, 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.’

“So, experience in politics – No experience in governance, but I’ve done well for myself in business, and they said we’ll give you the opportunity. Before that time, the whole of the South-West was APC, consisting of six states.

“But in Oyo State, we chose to be different. Because I had no experience, I wanted to convince the people.

“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. Thank God it is being done.”

Makinde also urged Nigerians to prevent the country from becoming a one-party state, stressing the need for political diversity to allow individuals with talent to contribute to national development.

He cautioned, “Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state so that others will have the opportunity to showcase their talents.”