Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has confidently declared that he is qualified and old enough to speak for himself on any matter concerning his political future, amid growing speculations about his presidential ambitions in the 2027 election.
Makinde made these remarks during a media chat at Fashola Farm in Oyo State, where he responded to questions about rumors that he might be plotting to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next presidential race.
In his clear and direct style, the governor stressed that he does not need anyone to speak on his behalf, nor does he want anyone speculating about his plans.
“If I have anything to say about my political future, I will say it myself,” Makinde declared.
He continued, “We didn’t host this retreat because of presidential ambition. No comment, nothing. But I can tell you, I’m old enough that if I want to do something, I’ll come out and say, ‘This is what I want to do.’”
Makinde made it clear that no one could push an agenda on his behalf.
He emphasized that he would only share his plans when the time is right and that all current speculations are premature and unnecessary.
“So, no speculation, nobody can push my agenda. I will push my agenda when the time comes,” he said.
This statement comes amid a swirl of political discussions about the 2027 presidential election, with Makinde’s name being mentioned as a potential contender. However, he dismissed such speculations as unsolicited and not based on any concrete decision he has made.
Reflecting on his journey to becoming governor, Makinde spoke about how Oyo State took a bold step by choosing him in 2019, despite his lack of political experience and failed Senate bids.
“Oyo State people made a decision in 2019,” he said. “We did not have a godfather. Nobody sponsored me, nobody gave me a dime, but the people of Oyo State decided to give this opportunity to an outsider.”
He explained how, before his election, many doubted his chances due to his political inexperience. He had never held office as a councillor, member of the House of Representatives, or senator, despite two attempts at the Senate.
Still, the people of Oyo State placed their trust in him based on his business success and his promise of development.
“And before that time,” he recalled, “the whole of the South West was APC, all six states. But in Oyo State, we chose to be different.”
Makinde also touched on the key document that helped him secure the people’s trust—the “Road Map to Accelerated Development of Oyo State 2019-2023.”
He said that the document, which outlined his plans for the state’s development, was his way of being transparent and accountable to the people.
“I said to the people, this is it in black and white, hold me accountable, and they gave us the opportunity,” he noted with satisfaction. “Thank God it is being done.”
Makinde also used the opportunity to issue a stern warning to Nigerians about the dangers of allowing the country to become a one-party state.
He argued that for democracy to thrive, there must be space for competition and diverse political voices.
“Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state so that others will have the opportunity to showcase their talents,” he warned.
He expressed concern that a political landscape dominated by one party could stifle development and reduce opportunities for creative governance.
Makinde’s caution comes at a time when political observers are noting the growing influence of the ruling party and the weakening of opposition voices in certain regions.
Makinde took the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to re-enacting the innovative and development-focused governance that past leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo brought to the South West.
He recalled how Awolowo’s administration developed farm settlements like Fashola Farms in the 1950s, which were instrumental in transforming agriculture in the region.
Makinde highlighted how these farms, along with the proceeds from the cocoa trade, helped fund landmark projects like Cocoa House, Nigeria’s first skyscraper.
“If you go to Tel Aviv in Israel, you’ll see the first one they built, and many more have followed,” he said, using the comparison to explain how innovative projects can create lasting legacies.
As for his own legacy, Governor Makinde expressed his desire to be remembered not just for specific projects but for building strong institutions that would guarantee good governance long after he leaves office.
He explained that his focus is on creating a governance structure that works, regardless of who is in power. “My goal is to build institutions that will ensure good governance, whether I am in office or not,” Makinde said
