I Have What It Takes To Be Nigeria’s President – Makinde
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said he is capable of becoming the President of Nigeria, declaring that he has what it takes to occupy the highest office in the country.
Makinde made the declaration during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday.
“I don’t have any doubt that I have the capacity to occupy the highest office in this land and I have what it takes.”
The Oyo governor, whose tenure ends in 2027, has been listed among possible contenders for the PDP presidential ticket, especially as the party may field a southern candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
He said the 2027 general elections would be a contest between Nigerians and the All Progressives Congress (APC), not just a fight between APC and PDP.
According to him, “PDP members must fix the party before anybody can aspire to be anything.”
“Let me also say this: if my political journey ends here, I am also happy.”
Makinde made the comments a day after PDP governors rejected a coalition plan spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ruled out any planned merger or alliance.
He clarified that while individuals have the right to associate with any group, the official stance of the party is what matters.
“Your house (the PDP) must be in order before you invite others,” he said.
Makinde did not, however, confirm his intention to contest in 2027.
“Nobody will set an agenda for me. I will set an agenda for myself,” he stated.
“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.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
