Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has affirmed that he is capable of speaking for himself and addressing any issue without hesitation.
He made these remarks in response to speculation that he might challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Makinde dismissed such speculation as unsolicited and emphasized his independence in making decisions about his political future.
The governor, while speaking to reporters at Fashola Farm in Oyo yesterday, stressed that if he had any intentions regarding his political future, he would communicate them directly to the public.
He stated, “We didn’t do this (host the PDP reporters’ retreat) because somebody has a presidential ambition. No comment, nothing. But all I can say to you is, I’m old enough; if I want to do something, I will come out and say, this is what I want to do. So, no speculation, nobody can push my agenda. I will push my agenda when the time comes.”
Reflecting on his political journey, Makinde highlighted the support he received from the people of Oyo State despite facing challenges, including two unsuccessful Senate bids before becoming governor.
“Oyo State people took a decision in 2019. We did not have a godfather. Nobody sponsored me, nobody gave me a dime for us to get in here, but the people of Oyo State decided we wanted to give this opportunity to an outsider,” he explained.
He continued, “And before that, you will see videos saying, ‘Oh, Seyi, what has he done before? Has he been a councillor? No. Has he been to the House of Representatives? No. What about the Senate? I tried twice but was rejected. So, experience in politics – No experience in governance, but I’ve done well for myself in business, and they said we’ll give you the opportunity. Before that time, the whole of the South West was APC, all six states. But in Oyo State, we chose to be different. Because I had no experience, I wanted to convince the people.”
Makinde recalled presenting his “Road Map to Accelerated Development of Oyo State, 2019-2023” to the people and asking them to hold him accountable.
“We produced a document…and I said to the people, this is it in black and white, hold me accountable, and they gave us the opportunity. Thank God it is being done,” he said.
The governor also warned against allowing Nigeria to become a one-party state, stressing the importance of political diversity.
“Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state so that others will have the opportunity to showcase their talents,” he cautioned.
Makinde reaffirmed his commitment to emulating the development achievements of visionary leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who advanced the South West with innovative governance.
He recalled that farm settlements, such as Fashola Farms, were established in the 1950s under Awolowo’s leadership, featuring livestock and cattle breeds. He mentioned that the revenue from cocoa production was used to build Cocoa House, the first skyscraper in the region at the time.
“If you go to Tel Aviv in Israel, you’ll see the first one they built, and many more have followed,” Makinde said, drawing a parallel with agricultural development abroad.
On the legacy he hopes to leave behind, Makinde expressed his desire to build institutions that ensure good governance, regardless of who serves as governor in the future.
