Makinde Declares He Is Qualified to Lead Nigeria

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated that he is fully prepared to lead Nigeria, as speculation about his potential presidential bid intensifies. Speaking during a media briefing in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized that his experience managing Oyo State and his professional background as an engineer equip him for national leadership.

“Let me be clear: I am qualified — even overqualified — to serve at the highest level in this country,” Makinde said. He drew a parallel to the current president, noting that his governance experience matches or surpasses that of leaders who previously ascended to the presidency after serving as state governors. By May 2027, he will have completed two full terms as governor.

Makinde also highlighted his corporate experience, recalling that at 29 he was already running a company while many of his peers were completing their national youth service. He worked with multinational oil companies, including Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron, without relying on government positions.

While acknowledging that the 2027 presidential election is still over a year away, Makinde stressed the importance of a strong opposition and criticized the mass defection of PDP governors and politicians to the ruling party. He confirmed that, unlike some allies who supported President Tinubu in 2023, he would not back the incumbent in 2027, focusing instead on strengthening the PDP and maintaining a viable democratic alternative.