Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has hinted at a possible presidential ambition in 2027, declaring that he possesses the capacity to lead Nigeria.
Makinde, a two-term governor and a key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the declaration during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday evening.
He emphasized that while he has what it takes to become Nigeria’s president, any move towards contesting the 2027 election would depend on several factors, including the readiness of his party and the desires of Nigerians.
“I don’t have any doubt that I have the capacity to occupy the highest office in this land and I have what it takes but what I want to do right now, is it what Nigerians are asking for, is it what my party will say we should do? We don’t know yet; we still have a long time to go,” Makinde said.
The governor, however, added that he is content with the progress he has made in politics so far. “Let me also say this, if my political journey ends here, I am also happy,” he said.
Makinde’s comments come amid fresh political alignments ahead of the 2027 general election. A new opposition coalition was launched on March 20, 2025, spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, among others.
The coalition seeks to unseat President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing economic mismanagement and soaring inflation under his administration.
The coalition is also banking on the over 12 million combined votes polled by Atiku and Obi in the 2023 election; votes that exceeded Tinubu’s total by more than four million.
Despite the growing momentum of the opposition alliance, Makinde and other PDP governors distanced themselves from the movement during a meeting on April 14, 2025. They rejected any coalition move or merger with other political party, insisting that the PDP must first put its house in order before considering alliances.
“Your house must be in order before you invite others,” Makinde said during the interview, adding that individuals may have the right to associate with coalitions, but the party’s official position remains paramount.
Makinde’s stance was supported by PDP Board of Trustees member, Chief Bode George, who advocated for a southern candidate in 2027 and endorsed the governors’ rejection of the coalition.
When asked directly whether he intends to run for the office of the president in 2027, Makinde replied, “Nobody will set an agenda for me. I will set an agenda for myself.”
He stressed that his current focus is on delivering results to the people of Oyo State rather than making premature declarations. “I will not play stunt politics; I will not do things because it feels right in some people’s ears,” he said. “If I want to contest, I will come out at the appropriate time.”
Makinde added, “One thing you should expect from Seyi Makinde is that he would never come out to say I want to do XYZ without preparations and without being held accountable for whatever he says he wants to do.”