Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has explained why he will not back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, warning that moves to weaken the opposition could damage Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
Speaking during a media chat in Ibadan on Tuesday, Makinde said he attended a meeting involving Tinubu, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and others, where he claimed Wike volunteered to “hold the PDP” for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. According to the governor, the offer was not requested by the president.
Makinde stressed that while Wike is entitled to support Tinubu, he has chosen a different path and believes Nigerians must be free to make independent political choices. He cautioned that attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress to weaken the Peoples Democratic Party could erode multiparty democracy, urging democrats to resist any drift toward a one-party system.
Addressing speculation about his own ambitions, Makinde said he has the experience and credentials to contest the presidency in 2027. He cited his two terms as Oyo State governor, executive experience in public service, and a professional background that includes running a private company from the age of 29.
“I have heard people ask if I am positioning myself for the 2027 presidency. Let me make this clear: I am qualified. I am even overqualified. By the end of May 2027, by God’s grace, I would have completed two tenures as governor of Oyo State. Professionally, I ran a company from a very young age,” he said.
The governor also spoke about the legacy he hopes to leave behind, emphasising the need to build strong institutions rather than focusing only on physical infrastructure. According to him, while infrastructure projects can be forgotten over time, robust systems ensure lasting development and good governance.
Makinde further addressed allegations of land grabbing linked to the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, explaining that the 500-metre corridor was officially gazetted on November 19, 2018, months before his administration took office in May 2019. He said the 110-kilometre circular road is designed to reduce traffic congestion in Ibadan, meet modern motorway standards, and function as an industrial and commercial corridor to boost the state’s economy.
On compensation, the governor said his administration is taking a humane approach, offering payments even to residents without formal land documents, as long as they can provide proof of residence to support resettlement.
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