The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has thrown down the gauntlet to the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by daring them to field Governor Seyi Makinde as their presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.
This challenge comes in the wake of Governor Makinde’s recent statement expressing confidence in his capacity to lead Nigeria.
During an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, the Oyo State governor highlighted his achievements and suggested he possessed the qualities necessary to occupy the country’s highest office.
“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,” Makinde said.
“But is it what I want to do right now? Is it what Nigerians are asking for? Is it what my party will say we should do? I don’t know. We still have a long time to go.”
Despite his cautious tone, Makinde’s comments drew a sharp response from the Oyo APC.
In a statement on Wednesday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Shadare, ridiculed the idea of Makinde leading the PDP into the 2027 elections, describing it as political suicide for the opposition party.
“We encourage him (Makinde) to go all out and secure the presidential ticket of the PDP for the next general election,” Shadare said.
“It is a pity that the same PDP, which ruled our dear country for 16 years, has now become a tool of comedy in the hands of some kinds of people.”
Shadare further claimed that the PDP would be preparing itself for a crushing defeat should it choose Makinde as its flagbearer.
“We do not wish the PDP dead, but if they choose to bury the umbrella party by putting its destiny in the hands of people like Governor Seyi Makinde, good luck to them,” he added.