Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has made a bold declaration regarding his political future, stating he is more than qualified to lead Nigeria while simultaneously distancing himself from any moves to align the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A Declaration of Readiness and Qualification
Speaking during a media interaction with selected journalists in Ibadan on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Governor Makinde addressed the swirling rumours about his presidential ambition. The governor, who is currently serving his second and final term, left no room for doubt about his self-assessment. "Let me make this very clear: to serve this country at the highest level, I am qualified—I’m even overqualified," Makinde stated emphatically.
He anchored this bold claim on his extensive experience in both public governance and the private sector. Makinde pointed out that by the end of his tenure in May 2027, he would have completed two full terms as Governor of Oyo State, mirroring the executive experience that brought President Tinubu to power after his two terms as Lagos State governor.
Beyond politics, Makinde highlighted his professional background as an engineer and successful entrepreneur. "Professionally, I ran a company from a very young age. At 29, some of my colleagues were still finishing their youth service," he recounted. He emphasised that he built his career independently, working for multinational oil giants like Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron, without relying on government patronage from entities like the NNPC.
Drawing a Line in the Sand Against Tinubu Alliance
Despite his clear qualifications, Governor Makinde stated it was premature to formally declare for the 2027 race. His immediate and pressing concern, he explained, is the survival and revival of the PDP, which has been severely weakened by defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He criticised this trend, arguing that "Nigerians want a viable democracy with strong opposition parties."
This stance puts him on a direct collision course with his former ally, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Makinde revealed a telling incident where Wike volunteered to position the PDP in support of President Tinubu for 2027. "I was in a meeting with President Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, and others when Wike volunteered to hold the PDP for Tinubu against 2027, and I was in shock," Makinde disclosed. While acknowledging Wike's right to his political choices, Makinde drew a firm line: "Wike can support the president in 2027, but I will not."
The governor urged that others within the party be allowed to make their own decisions, succinctly stating, "Allow us to make our choice."
The Deepening PDP Crisis and the Path Forward
The rift between Makinde and Wike is a manifestation of the deeper crisis plaguing the PDP. Both were key members of the G5 governors—a group that included former governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Samuel Ortom (Benue)—which broke ranks with the party's leadership during the 2023 elections.
Since then, their relationship has deteriorated further. The PDP's recent convention in Oyo State saw a faction aligned with Makinde suspend Wike and other senior figures like former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose. Wike has rejected this suspension and continues to affirm his PDP membership while maintaining his support for Tinubu.
For Makinde, the resolution of these internal disputes is urgent. "At this point, what matters to me is the survival of the PDP," he asserted. He stressed that the party must undertake a serious rebuilding process to reclaim its relevance as a formidable opposition force before the next general election. The governor's priority is clear: stabilise the party first, as personal ambitions and broader political battles hinge on a united and functional PDP.
