By Adesakin Adefemi
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde said on Tuesday that he possesses the qualifications to assume Nigeria’s presidency, sparking fresh speculation about a possible 2027 bid.
During a media parley with journalists in Ibadan, Makinde asserted: “To serve this country at the highest level, I am qualified — I’m even overqualified.” He based his claim on his two‑term governorship and extensive private‑sector experience.
Makinde highlighted his early success in business, noting that at age 29, he was running a company while many of his peers were still completing National Youth Service. “Professionally, I ran a company from a very young age. At 29, some of my colleagues were still finishing their youth service. I was running a company and working for multinational oil companies, including Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron,” he said.
He drew a direct comparison with President Bola Tinubu, pointing out that Tinubu also served two terms as Lagos governor before becoming president. “I ran Oyo State. Even the current president — what brought him to the table? He was governor of Lagos State for two terms. By the end of May 2027, by God’s grace and God sparing my life, I will have completed my tenure as a two‑term governor of Oyo State,” Makinde added.
Although confident of his credentials, Makinde emphasized that a formal presidential run is “premature.” He did not commit to any party primaries or campaigns for 2027.
The governor also warned of a troubling trend in Nigerian politics, noting growing defections of governors and senior politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He expressed concern that such moves undermine democratic stability.
“This wave of defections is unhealthy for our democracy,” Makinde said, urging political stakeholders to prioritize national unity over opportunism.
Supporters have welcomed his assertion, seeing it as a bold reminder of meritocracy in a political landscape often criticized for nepotism. Critics, however, caution against premature self‑promotion, arguing that leadership should be tested through party processes and public mandate.
Makinde’s tenure as Oyo governor ends in May 2027, aligning with the general election calendar and giving him a window to pursue a national office if he chooses.
