Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has made a bold declaration regarding the 2027 presidential election, stating he is not only qualified but 'overqualified' to lead Nigeria. The governor made these remarks during an exclusive media interaction with journalists in Ibadan on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
Makinde's Case for Being 'Overqualified'
The governor based his confidence on a combination of his governance record and extensive professional background. He directly compared his political journey to that of President Bola Tinubu, highlighting that both have served two terms as governors of major South-West states.
'By the end of May 2027, by God's grace, I will have completed my own two terms as governor,' Makinde stated, drawing a parallel with President Tinubu's tenure as Lagos State governor. He emphasized that executive leadership at the state level is a crucial qualification for the nation's highest office.
Beyond politics, Makinde pointed to his successful career as an engineer and entrepreneur. He noted that he was managing a company by the age of 29 and had worked with top multinational oil firms including Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron, building his career independently of government patronage.
A Clear Stance on Tinubu and 2027
In a significant political move, Governor Makinde firmly ruled out supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. This position marks a clear departure from his stance during the 2023 presidential race, where he supported Tinubu.
The governor revealed a telling incident that shaped his current view. He recounted being in a meeting with President Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, and others when the Federal Capital Territory Minister volunteered to 'hold the PDP for Tinubu' ahead of 2027. 'I was in shock,' Makinde said, describing Wike's declaration as unexpected.
'Wike can support the president in 2027, but I will not,' Makinde asserted, stressing the importance of allowing political actors to make independent choices. He criticized the notion of any individual within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) imposing decisions on others.
Focus on Rebuilding the PDP and Democracy
Despite the presidential speculation, Governor Makinde insisted that discussions about 2027 are premature. His stated immediate priority is the survival of Nigeria's democracy and the rebuilding of the opposition PDP.
He expressed concern over the wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that a weak opposition system would be detrimental to the country's democratic health. Makinde emphasized that his energy is currently directed at strengthening and stabilizing the PDP as it navigates internal crises and high-profile departures.
The governor's comments come at a critical juncture for Nigerian politics, setting the stage for the political realignments expected ahead of the next general election. His declaration underscores the emerging dynamics within the PDP and the broader opposition landscape as the nation looks toward 2027.
