Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he possesses the capacity and experience required to lead Nigeria, as speculation continues to mount over his possible interest in the country’s presidency.
The governor made the assertion while responding to questions from a select group of journalists during a media parley held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday.
Makinde said his confidence is rooted in his years of experience as a two-term governor and his professional background as an engineer.
“Let me make this very clear: to serve this country at the highest level, I am qualified — I’m even overqualified,” Governor Makinde told the gathering.
“I ran Oyo State, even the current president — what brought him to the table? He was governor of Lagos State for two terms. By the end of May 2027, by God’s grace and God sparing my life, I will have completed the full tenure as a two-term governor of Oyo State.”
He further highlighted his private-sector experience, noting that he assumed leadership responsibilities at an early age and worked with major multinational firms.
“Professionally, I ran a company from a very young age. At 29, some of my colleagues were still finishing their youth service. I ran the company, and people can go out there and check — I did not go to NNPC or the likes. I was working for multinational oil companies, including Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron.”
Despite the growing political speculation, Makinde said discussions about the 2027 presidential election remain premature, given that more than a year remains before Nigerians head to the polls.
He added that the country needs a healthy democratic system with a strong opposition, warning that the defection of governors and other senior politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress weakens democratic balance.
Makinde, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and currently serving his second and final term as governor, recalled his support for President Bola Tinubu of the APC during the 2023 general election but said he would not repeat that decision.
He said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—his former ally who also supported Tinubu—remains free to back the president.
“I was in a meeting with President Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, and others when Wike volunteered to hold the PDP for Tinubu against 2027, and I was in shock,” the governor said during the media chat. “Wike can support the president in 2027, but I will not.”
Makinde said his immediate focus is on stabilising and strengthening the PDP, which has recently suffered a wave of defections involving governors, lawmakers, and other prominent members.
