Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has explained why he will not support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, warning that any attempt to weaken the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could endanger Nigeria’s democratic system.
Speaking during a media chat in Ibadan on Tuesday, Makinde recalled a meeting he attended with President Tinubu, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, and other political figures. He alleged that Wike volunteered to “hold the PDP” for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls — a statement Makinde said was not solicited by the President.
The governor stressed that while Wike reserves the right to support Tinubu, he has chosen not to do so and believes all Nigerians should enjoy the freedom to make independent political decisions. He cautioned that efforts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken opposition parties could undermine multiparty democracy, urging political stakeholders to resist any move toward a one-party state.
Makinde also addressed questions about his political future, affirming that he is fully qualified to run for president in 2027. He cited his two-term experience as governor, his executive background, and his track record as a private-sector leader.
“I have heard people ask if I am positioning myself for the 2027 presidency. Let me make this clear: I am qualified — in fact, overqualified. By the end of my tenure in May 2027, I would have served two terms as governor and have years of professional experience managing a company from the age of 29,” he said.
The governor emphasized that his administration’s focus remains on institutional reform rather than physical projects alone. According to him, while infrastructure gets completed and forgotten, strong institutions ensure lasting progress and sustainable governance.
On the controversy surrounding land acquisition for the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, Makinde dismissed allegations of land grabbing. He clarified that the 500-metre corridor for the project had been officially gazetted on November 19, 2018—months before his administration came into office in May 2019.
He explained that the 110-kilometre circular road was designed to decongest traffic in Ibadan, meet modern motorway standards, and establish an economic corridor to spur industrial and commercial growth in Oyo State.
Addressing concerns about compensation, Makinde said the government is taking a humane stance by compensating even those without formal land titles, provided they can prove residence to support their resettlement
