Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, has declared Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition “dead on arrival,” citing growing political contradictions and lack of support from key allies. The statement, released by Alli’s campaign spokesman Bisi Oladele on Tuesday, comes amid increasing speculation about Makinde’s chances in the 2027 presidential race under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). Alli argued that recent public endorsements of President Bola Tinubu by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State underscore the fragility of Makinde’s campaign.
Alli emphasized that Makinde’s presidential bid is increasingly seen as a smokescreen for political negotiation rather than a genuine electoral push. He pointed to Mohammed’s acknowledgment of Tinubu’s performance as evidence that even within the opposition space, there is little backing for Makinde’s candidacy. According to Alli, this undermines the credibility of a presidential aspirant whose own allies are validating the achievements of the current administration. “A presidential candidate whose own political allies are validating the achievements of the incumbent has a serious credibility problem,” Alli stated.
The APC candidate urged Makinde to shift focus from national ambitions to accountability for his governance in Oyo State. He stressed that the people of Oyo are more concerned with the governor’s legacy than his presidential aspirations. Alli believes that Makinde’s campaign lacks substance and is collapsing under internal contradictions before the election season even begins. He called on the governor to prioritize transparency and deliverables over political posturing.
The development adds another layer of tension to the already complex political landscape in Oyo State, where APC and PDP supporters are closely watching how the gubernatorial race unfolds. While Makinde remains active in national politics, critics like Alli argue that his presidential bid is not resonating with voters or party leaders outside his immediate circle. The statement also highlights broader concerns within Nigeria’s political class about the viability of third-party candidates without strong coalition backing.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, Alli’s remarks may influence voter perception and party dynamics in Oyo and beyond. His direct challenge to Makinde’s credibility could shape the narrative around leadership accountability and political authenticity in the coming months. The situation will likely be monitored closely by both supporters and opponents as the political calendar advances.
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