Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Tuesday said he has the capacity to occupy the highest political office in the land.
Makinde, a second-term governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made this known on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
“But where we are right now is that we must fix our party, we must have a platform for you to even aspire to be anything.
“Let me also say this: if my political journey ends here, I am also happy.”
In a twist, Makinde and his PDP brother governors on Monday, April 14, 2025, rejected the coalition spearheaded by Atiku, ruling out any plan by the party for mergers or coalition.
During the television programme, Makinde said individuals and party members have the right to associate with any coalition but the stand of the party is different. “Your house (the PDP) must be in order before you invite others,” he said.
Asked whether he would run for the office of the president in 2027, Makinde, a southerner in the main opposition party, said, “Nobody will set an agenda for me. I will set an agenda for myself.”
“People can say whatever they want to say (but) right now, I am focusing on what Oyo State people have given to me; the task ahead of us.
“So, I am not distracted. I will not play stunt politics; I will not do things because it feels right in some people’s ears. No, I will stay focused to ensure that we bring dividends of democracy to our people, look after them, and also build infrastructure that will lead our people well into the future. That is not consistent with whether somebody is going to go to the federal level or whether people are saying I must contest. If I want to contest, I will come out at the appropriate time.
“One thing you should expect from Seyi Makinde is that he would never come out to say I want to do XYZ without preparations and without being held accountable for whatever he says he wants to do.”