Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he possesses the experience and competence required to lead Nigeria, as speculation continues to grow over his possible interest in the presidency ahead of the 2027 general election.
The governor made the assertion on Tuesday during a media interaction with selected journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Responding to questions about his national political ambitions, Makinde said his years in public office and professional background have adequately prepared him for the country’s highest office.
According to him, his stewardship as governor of Oyo State placed him on similar footing with past Nigerian leaders who rose to the presidency after serving as state governors.
He noted that by May 2027, he would have completed two full terms in office, stressing that such experience should not be discounted in discussions about leadership at the federal level.
Makinde also pointed to his private-sector background, explaining that he began managing a company at a relatively young age and built a career as an engineer working with major multinational oil firms, including Shell, ExxonMobil and Chevron.
He said this exposure gave him early leadership responsibility and practical management experience outside government patronage.
Despite his remarks, the governor maintained that it was still premature to fully engage in conversations about the 2027 presidential race, with more than a year remaining before political activities formally begin.
He added that his immediate concern is the state of Nigeria’s democracy, particularly the weakening of opposition parties.
Makinde criticised the increasing defections of governors and other prominent politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that such moves could undermine democratic balance and promote the emergence of a dominant-party system.
He argued that Nigerians need a strong and credible opposition to ensure accountability and healthy political competition.
A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Makinde is currently serving his second and final term as Oyo State governor.
Although he supported President Bola Tinubu of the APC during the 2023 presidential election, he said he would not repeat that decision in the future.
He also spoke on his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a former ally who has openly aligned with President Tinubu.
Makinde revealed that he was taken aback when Wike declared his intention to mobilise support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
While acknowledging Wike’s right to take a political position, Makinde made it clear that he would not support the president’s re-election bid.
He said his focus remained on rebuilding and stabilising the PDP, which has recently been weakened by internal disputes and the defection of several governors and lawmakers.
The governor stressed that preserving the opposition party was critical to Nigeria’s democratic future, noting that his current priority was ensuring the PDP remains viable and competitive ahead of future elections.
