A former member of the House of Representatives, Babatunde Oduyoye, said on Saturday that the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, would not join the 2027 presidential race through the back door.

Oduyoye, who was Makinde’s former Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters, maintained that the governor is a strategic planner and would put certain things in place before making such an important decision.

He stated this during an interview with newsmen in Ibadan, the state capital.

The former lawmaker noted that knowing Makinde, it is evident that he has not taken steps that he would normally take if he were genuinely interested in running for president.

Oduyoye suggested that the rumoured presidential ambition may stem from well-wishers who want the governor to advance politically.

He reiterated that Makinde had not yet decided, as he had not engaged in his usual strategic actions when considering major political moves.

“I have read reports that Governor Makinde has declared his presidential ambition for 2027, but none of them include an exact quote from the governor. I know him, and I know what he would do if he were interested in running for president.

“As of now, the governor has not done any of those things. So, I am certain that this rumoured ambition is coming from his well-wishers.

“The governor has never been one to shy away from challenges, and he is certainly not going to enter the presidential race through the back door; he is not cowardly. I know him, and I know what he will do when the time comes,” he stated.