Federal lawmaker Akin Alabi has publicly dismissed Governor Seyi Makinde's 2027 presidential ambition as a strategic move to support his preferred governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, rather than a genuine quest for Nigeria's top job. Alabi, who represents the Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency in Oyo State, made the claim during a radio interview on I-Flier 103.3FM in Ibadan on Tuesday, October 6.
Alabi's Allegations Against Makinde's Campaign
Alabi argued that Makinde's presidential bid is primarily designed to increase visibility for Adekanmbi, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Oyo State, whom the governor is backing to succeed him. "Everybody knows that Seyi Makinde has no plan to become president; he just wants to be in the conversation because he knows his candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, can't contest alone," Alabi said. "Even his gateman knows he can't become president. He's just promoting his candidate and knows nobody will vote for him if he isn't on the ballot."
The lawmaker further suggested that Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State, would struggle to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, without the platform provided by Makinde's presidential campaign. "You can not place Adekambi with Sharafadeen Alli, and you can expect that Makinde's candidate will win him," he added.
Makinde's Formal Presidential Declaration
These remarks come months after Makinde formally declared his presidential ambition. The governor announced his candidacy on May 14, 2026, at a joint Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)/APM mega rally held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, stating: "Today, I, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, announce my candidacy for the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the PDP/APM alliance."
Since that declaration, Makinde has moved to consolidate his presidential ticket. In August, he named former Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura, as his running mate, replacing Ibrahim Bala, who had served as a placeholder.
Focus on Oyo Governorship Race
On the Oyo State front, Makinde has thrown his support firmly behind Adekanmbi, repeatedly campaigning for him ahead of the 2027 governorship election. He recently urged Senator Alli to direct his attention to Adekanmbi rather than to his administration, expressing confidence in his preferred successor's ability to win. Adekanmbi has publicly pledged to build on Makinde's legacy if elected governor.
Alabi, however, maintained that the governor's true motivation remains the governorship race in Oyo State, not the presidency itself. The lawmaker's comments highlight the ongoing political tensions in Oyo State as the 2027 elections approach, with the governorship race seen as a key battleground between the PDP/APM alliance and the APC.
