Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has firmly dismissed speculations about a potential bid to challenge Tinubu in 2027, asserting that he is both qualified and mature enough to declare his own intentions when the time comes.
The governor, who was responding to media reports, emphasized that he doesn’t need anyone to speak on his behalf regarding his political future.
Addressing journalists at Fashola Farm in Oyo, Makinde made it clear that any rumors regarding his political ambitions were uninvited and unsubstantiated.
He stated, “We didn’t host this PDP 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.”
Makinde also stressed that no external force could drive his political agenda, saying, “No speculation, nobody can push my agenda. I will push my agenda when the time comes.”
Reflecting on his rise to power, the governor recounted his journey and the obstacles he overcame before becoming governor, crediting the people of Oyo State for their decision to support him. “Oyo State people took a decision in 2019. We did not have a godfather. Nobody sponsored me, 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,” he recalled.
Makinde noted that despite lacking political experience, the people of Oyo State trusted him with their votes. “I had no experience in governance, but I’ve done well for myself in business, and they said we’ll give you the opportunity… 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,” he added.
In addition to addressing his political future, Makinde voiced concern about the potential dangers of Nigeria becoming a one-party state. He urged citizens to resist this trend, stating, “Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state so that others will have the opportunity to showcase their talents.”
The governor also highlighted his commitment to reviving the region’s rich history of innovative governance. He referenced the contributions of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who established farm settlements like Fashola Farms in the 1950s and used proceeds from Cocoa to build the iconic Cocoa House, the first skyscraper in West Africa. “If you go to Tel Aviv in Israel, you’ll see the first one they built and many more have followed,” he remarked.
As for his legacy, Makinde expressed his desire to build institutions that would ensure good governance regardless of who occupies the office of governor. “I want to be remembered for building institutions that will guarantee good governance, irrespective of who is in power,” he said.
