Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has issued a stark warning that the Nigerian populace will deliver a shocking verdict against the political class and elites in the 2027 general elections. The governor made this declaration during an extensive interview with select media professionals in Ibadan, where he reviewed his administration's performance and addressed national issues.
Budget Financing and Economic Expansion Strategy
Governor Makinde, who recently signed the N892 billion "Budget of Economic Expansion" for 2026 into law, detailed his strategy for funding the ambitious fiscal plan. He revealed that Oyo State's monthly Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) receipt is roughly N19 to N20 billion, translating to about N240 billion annually. Combined with an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of approximately N8 billion monthly (N96 billion yearly), the state has a baseline of nearly N340 billion.
He emphasized a shift from dependency on federal allocations, focusing instead on expanding the state's economic base through agribusiness, solid minerals, tourism, and strategic infrastructure. A key project is the 110-kilometre Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, on whose first 32-kilometre phase the state has spent close to $200 million. Makinde stated the first phase would be commissioned in the first quarter of 2026.
Regret Over Tinubu Support and PDP Crisis Exposé
In a candid revelation, Governor Makinde expressed regret for his role in the G5 group that supported President Bola Tinubu's election in 2023. He said his support was predicated on an expectation of a "government of national unity and competence," which he claims has not materialized.
He pinpointed the root of the crisis within the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to a meeting with President Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Makinde disclosed that Wike told the President, "Sir, I will hold PDP for you against 2027." This, according to Makinde, is the core of their disagreement, as he is committed to ensuring the survival of a strong opposition and multi-party democracy in Nigeria to prevent a drift towards a one-party state.
"I regret that action," Makinde said regarding his support for Tinubu, adding that the current administration is neither a government of national unity nor competence.
Infrastructure, Autonomy, and 2027 Presidential Speculation
Makinde extensively defended his administration's infrastructure drive, including the controversial circular road corridor, assuring that those with genuine claims are being compensated. On local government autonomy, he called for a negotiated political solution, highlighting inconsistencies in the approach of different tiers of government.
When asked about speculation of a presidential run in 2027, Makinde stated he is "qualified and even overqualified" but is currently more focused on fostering a competitive political environment in Nigeria. He warned that if the political elite fails to address the hunger and anger in the land, the electorate's reaction in 2027 would be unimaginable. "What Nigerian people will show politicians and elite in 2027, we cannot imagine it right now," he cautioned.
Security, Education, and Health Priorities
The governor credited the relative peace in Oyo State to effective collaboration between federal security agencies and the regional Amotekun security outfit. He announced the state's acquisition of two surveillance aircraft to be deployed in the first quarter of 2026.
In education and health, Makinde highlighted ongoing projects, including building Category 3 primary healthcare centers in all 351 electoral wards and utilizing a 55-million-euro loan from the French government to upgrade secondary healthcare facilities across the state's zones. He stressed that his ultimate legacy would be the institutions created for sustainable development, not just physical infrastructure.
