The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he is qualified to contest for the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking with reporters during a visit to Fashola farm in Oyo town on Friday, Makinde stated that speculations about his political future were unnecessary and unsolicited.
The governor stated that he is old enough to speak for himself on any issue without fear or intimidation, adding that he would do so publicly if he had anything to say about his political future.
He said, “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.”
Makinde recalled that with the support of the people of Oyo State, he defied several odds, including two failed Senate attempts before his election as Governor.
He said, “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.
“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. “
The governor also cautioned Nigerians against allowing the country to slide into a one-party state.
He said, “Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state so that others will have the opportunity to showcase their talents.”
