Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stated that he alone will decide his political future, dispelling rumors of a potential presidential bid in 2027. He made this statement in response to claims that the ruling party is interfering with other political groups to stifle opposition.
Makinde dismissed these allegations, urging opposition leaders to focus on internal unity and collaboration to strengthen Nigeria. He emphasized that the upcoming election will be a contest between the ruling party and the Nigerian people.
The governor made these remarks at the inauguration of the newly constructed Olusoji Adagunodo Southwest Zonal Secretariat, attended by PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, and other regional leaders.
Makinde praised the late Soji Adagunodo, saying, “It’s not how long, but how well. What they normally say is, ‘it is not how long, but how well.’ My dear brother, the late Soji Adagunodo, was with us for a very short period, but he made a very significant impact on the politics of the Southwest of Nigeria.”
The governor also acknowledged the efforts of leaders within the party, including Governor Adeleke, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, and His Excellency Agboola Ajayi, and emphasized the importance of unity within the party.
“I only have one message, just one thing to say. Yes, we have done this to keep the memory of our brother, Honourable Soji Adagunodo. I want the truth for your state. I just want to make him a legacy. Your wish has been granted today,” he said.
However, when it comes to his own political future, Makinde reiterated, “I will say it by myself. Nobody will set an agenda for me apart from myself. They have also been talking—the ruling party, all the parties. Let me say this: If you are accusing the ruling party that they are the ones putting their hands into all other parties to ensure that they don’t get their hearts together so that there will be no opposition in 2027, my own position is that there are certain things that you have under your own control.”
He concluded by saying, “The next election will be APC versus Nigerians. It is not even about APC versus PDP. So, let us do our own bit to unite our party, unite our base, and let the people of Nigeria, let them speak.”
