Oyo APC Says Makinde Will Come Eighth If He Runs for President

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has again called Governor Seyi Makinde's presidential ambition a political show meant to entertain and distract people. They warned that those behind this plan would eventually have to pay back every kobo of state funds spent on it.

This statement from the APC follows Makinde's comments on Saturday. He said he would be ready to receive many chieftaincy titles after his term ends in May 2027, as he would have nothing serious to do then.

PUNCH Online reports that the governor made this statement after being named the Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland by the Eleruwa of Eruwa. This was during the monarch’s first coronation celebration in Eruwa, the main town in Ibarapa East Local Government Area.

The APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, issued a statement in Ibadan on Sunday. He warned the governor against threatening the people of the state, including traditional and religious leaders, just because they welcome APC candidates and supporters.

Sadare said, "It is important for us to reiterate that Governor Makinde does not possess the wherewithal to slug it out with President Bola Tinubu in 2027. He is just making noise to distract the global community. He cannot achieve his aim of being the Political Comedian of the Year without wasting the resources of Pacesetters State, which will not benefit the good people of the state."

He added, "Makinde knows that contesting for the Nigerian presidency is not a child’s play. He lacks the personal qualities, experience, and strategy to be the next president in 2027, yet he is acting like a candidate of the structureless Allied People’s Movement."

Sadare continued, "Makinde can display campaign posters and billboards in Oyo and Bauchi states for clear reasons. But even if he gets on the ballot, the best he can achieve is coming in a distant eighth. Most Nigerians, including leaders and respected individuals, believe President Tinubu is the best for the country. After his re-election in 2027, the focus on his likely successor will shift to the North, meaning Makinde cannot be trusted to lead Nigeria at this critical time."

He concluded by saying, "Makinde is being watched as he starts a political journey that has already failed before it began. He will have to repay all the public funds he wasted on it."