Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has defended his 2027 presidential ambition, arguing that the South-West geopolitical zone can field more than one presidential candidate without harming the region's political standing. Speaking at an Allied Peoples Movement (APM) town hall meeting in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Makinde responded to critics who questioned his decision to join the race despite the South-West already having a sitting president.
Makinde Cites 1999 Election as Precedent
Makinde pointed to the 1999 general election as a historical example, when both former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Olu Falae—both from the South-West—contested the presidency. He argued that this precedent shows the region can present multiple candidates without negative consequences.
"I've listened to people. They said to us, 'Seyi Makinde, why are you contesting in this election when the South-West already has somebody seated on that seat?' And I've explained to them, we do have an example here in the South-West," he said. "And heaven did not fall. As a matter of fact, what the South-West did was to present two of their finest, two of their best for Nigeria to choose from. Is there anything wrong with that this time around?"
Makinde Criticizes Federal Government Spending
Beyond defending his candidacy, Makinde raised concerns about the Federal Government's fiscal conduct. He cited an unnecessary trip by Nigeria's permanent representatives to the United Nations from New York to Abuja to present the UN budget to the President, questioning why taxpayers' money should fund such a journey. He also challenged the government's budget implementation record, asking which year's budget was currently being executed.
Makinde urged South-West voters to reject what he called the politics of deceit, saying he preferred to run on his track record in Oyo State rather than attack opponents.
Energy, Not Age, to Define Campaign
Addressing the question of age, Makinde signalled he would frame the conversation around physical capacity. "While I will not make age an issue of this campaign, I will make energy. Having energy. Being able to stay up late, have the rigours, have the energy to deal with the challenges that we are faced with as a country," he said.
He rounded off his remarks with a direct challenge to other presidential candidates, urging them to match him in demonstrating physical stamina on the campaign trail. "So please, when they bring their own presidential candidates, let the candidates come here and also jump down. If they can do that, vote for them," Makinde said.
APC Condemns Loan Approval
Meanwhile, the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) condemned the state assembly's approval of a ₦100 billion loan for Makinde's administration. The two facilities approved carry a combined value of ₦400 billion, though ₦300 billion is a refinancing arrangement. Makinde's camp separately dismissed criticism of his presidential ambition as politically motivated.
