The presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has been declared “dead on arrival” by the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following his emergence as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The APC made this strong statement in a document signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, and made available to DAILY POST on Sunday. Governor Makinde was officially presented with the APM flag during an event held in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday, marking his formal entry into the presidential race.
The APC criticized Makinde for what it described as abandoning his duties as governor to pursue national political ambitions. The party argued that Makinde has not met the expectations of Oyo State residents during his seven years in office, citing a failure to deliver on key promises and address pressing issues facing the state. According to the APC, the governor’s focus should remain on his constitutional responsibilities rather than diverting attention to a presidential bid.
In the statement, the APC expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of Makinde’s leadership in the remaining year of his tenure. It warned that the people of Oyo State may face increased losses, deprivation, and wastefulness if he continues to prioritize his presidential aspirations over governance. The party emphasized that Oyo deserves a governor who is a team player, sincere, and humble — qualities it claims Makinde has not demonstrated.
The APC further stated that Makinde’s ambition is not just politically unviable but also a betrayal of trust from the people who elected him. The party urged him to apologize to the citizens and step down from office, arguing that his continued leadership under these circumstances is unacceptable. The statement highlighted that as governor, Makinde is in the best position to tackle the state’s challenges, including security, infrastructure, and economic development.
Despite the APC’s harsh criticism, Makinde’s move signals a significant political shift, as he seeks to transition from state leadership to national politics under a new party platform. The APM, though relatively new, is positioning itself as a contender in the 2027 elections, with Makinde as its standard-bearer. His candidacy is expected to spark further political discourse and competition across Nigeria’s political landscape.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the debate over Makinde’s decision will likely intensify, with supporters praising his ambition and critics questioning his commitment to Oyo State. The coming months will reveal how this development influences both state and national politics in Nigeria.
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