2027 Election A “Battle Between APC,  Nigerians” – Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the 2027 elections will be a contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigerian people rather than a traditional party match-up.

He said this on Saturday at the commissioning of the southwest zonal secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan.

The facility was named in honor of the late Soji Adagunodo, the former PDP zonal vice chairman in the southwest.

Makinde emphasized the need for PDP leaders to unite against external influences that could hinder their efforts to form a strong opposition for 2027.

He addressed rumors and speculations about his political future, making it clear that he would decide his own path.

He said, “People have been complaining, they have been talking, they have been making a lot of speculations.

“Let me say this again, and I will say it myself: nobody will set an agenda for me apart from myself, they have also been talking, the ruling party and other parties.

“If you are accusing the ruling party of interfering with other parties to prevent them from uniting and forming a strong opposition for 2027, my position is that there are certain things within our control.

“The next election will be APC versus Nigerians. It is not even about APC versus PDP.

“So, let us do our bit to unite our party and our base, and let the people of Nigeria speak.”

READ ALSO

•LAUTECH: Oyetola Received N3.5bn Refund, Spent N2bn – Adeleke

•Segilola: Adeleke Has Shown To Be Different

Makinde underscored his commitment to setting his own political course, adding, “Nobody apart from myself can set an agenda for my political career.”

He also addressed the relationship with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, dismissing external attempts to influence it: “Whether Governor Adeleke and I will cooperate for the growth and benefit of our party in the southwest is beyond the ruling party. It is between me and Governor Adeleke. So, please, let us work together and unite our base; that is all we need to do.”

He reminded PDP members of recent victories and encouraged confidence: “The people spoke in Oyo and Osun states. They will do it in Nigeria. So, don’t fret. Don’t think external people have control over what will happen in our party. Yes, they may try, they can only succeed when we allow it.”

Makinde called on PDP members to unite nationwide, citing the upcoming Ondo governorship election as a critical indicator of the political landscape leading to the 2027 elections.