2027: Don’t let Nigeria slide into a one-party state – Makinde to Nigerians
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Oyo State Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde has urged Nigerians to ensure that the country doesn’t slide into a one-party state.
The Governor made the appeal as he addressed rumours about his political future.
Makinde, who will vacate office when his second term tenure ends on May 29, 2027, has been rumoured to be eyeing the presidential seat.
The speculation went viral on social media last week, with claims that the Governor has declared his intention to contest against President Bola Tinubu in the next general elections.
Dispelling the rumour while speaking to journalists at the Fashola Agribusiness Hub in Oyo, he said he would personally announce his intention when and if he decided to join the presidential race.
He stressed that his performance in office was not motivated by personal ambition.
“We didn’t do this (Host 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. No one can push their agenda onto me.”
“So, no speculation, nobody can push my agenda. I will push my agenda when the time comes,” he said.
Makinde speaks on the dangers of a one-party state
Makinde explained the importance of maintaining Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, warning against the dangers of a dominant party monopolising power.
He also reflected on his rise to power, recalling how he defied several odds, including failed Senate attempts before his election into office as 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.
“And before that, you will see videos saying that 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 and 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.
“We produced a document, Road Map to accelerated development of Oyo State, 2019-2023 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.
“Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state so that others will have the opportunity to showcase their talents,“ Makinde said.
