Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has announced his qualification to contest in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Fashola farm in Oyo town on Friday, Makinde dismissed ongoing speculations about his political future as unnecessary and unsolicited.He reiterated that no one could dictate his political agenda and assured that he would disclose his plans when the time is right.
He stated, “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.”
Reflecting on his political journey, Makinde recalled overcoming challenges, including two failed Senate bids before his election as governor. He noted that his victory in 2019 was made possible by the support of Oyo State residents, who chose to back him despite his lack of traditional political experience.
He added, “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 we wanted to give this opportunity to an outsider.
“And before that, you will see videos saying that, 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.
READ ALSO: Obasanjo Decries Nigeria as “Burial Ground of Policies”
“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 warned against the risks of Nigeria becoming a one-party state, urging citizens to allow diverse talents to emerge in the political arena.
“Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state so that others will have the opportunity to showcase their talents,” he stressed.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
