Seyi Makinde: Ready to Lead Nigeria as President in 2027?

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde declared his potential to lead Nigeria as president, asserting, “I have the capacity to occupy the highest office,” during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Tuesday. 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, while not confirming a 2027 presidential run, emphasized preparation and accountability, saying, “If I want to contest, I’ll come out at the appropriate time.” Makinde, 57, highlighted his focus on Oyo’s infrastructure, citing 2024’s ₦510 billion budget execution, per state records, as proof of his governance credentials.

Makinde’s remarks come amid PDP’s internal restructuring post-2023 election losses, where its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, secured 6.9 million votes to APC’s 8.7 million, per INEC. He stressed fixing the party’s platform before any ambition, noting, “We must have a platform to aspire to anything.” His wealth declared at ₦48 billion in 2019, per Pulse NG, has fueled speculation about his financial clout for a national campaign. 

Posts on X reflect mixed views, with some hailing his candor and others questioning his timing, though these are inconclusive. Makinde’s allies, like Senator Dino Melaye, praised his “proven competence,” but analysts say navigating PDP’s northern-southern zoning debate will be key by 2027.