Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, a senior Nigerian politician and engineer who currently leads Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria, has openly stated that he possesses the qualifications required to lead Africa’s most populous country, as public discussion continues around potential contenders for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
The governor made the remarks during a media interaction with selected journalists in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, where he addressed growing speculation surrounding his political future and possible interest in the nation’s highest office.
Speaking firmly about his credentials, Makinde said, “Let me make this very clear: to serve this country at the highest level, I am qualified — I’m even overqualified.” He linked his confidence to both his years in public office and his experience in the private sector.
Okay News reports that the governor compared his political journey with that of past Nigerian leaders, noting that executive experience at the state level has historically prepared individuals for national leadership. According to him, “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 the full tenure as a two-term governor of Oyo State.”
Makinde also drew attention to his professional background before entering politics, explaining that his career began early and was built within globally recognized institutions. He stated, “Professionally, I ran a company from a very young age. At 29, some of my colleagues were still finishing their youth service. I ran the company, and people can go out there and check — I did not go to NNPC or the likes. I was working for multinational oil companies, including Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron.”
Despite these assertions, the governor clarified that discussions around the 2027 presidential race remain premature, stressing that his current focus is on governance and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He further expressed concern about the state of political opposition in Nigeria, criticizing the increasing movement of elected officials from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress, Nigeria’s current governing party. According to Makinde, the trend poses risks to democratic balance and accountability.
Raising a pointed question about the realities facing ordinary Nigerians, he asked, “Governors are defecting from one party to the other, but have hunger and anger in the land also defected?” The remark underscored his view that political realignments have not translated into improved living conditions for citizens.
