I’m qualified to become president of Nigeria — Makinde

By Adejayan Gbenga –

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he is qualified to become Nigeria’s president amid growing speculation about his political ambition ahead of the 2027 general election.

Makinde made the assertion on Tuesday during a media parley with select journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, citing his experience in governance and the private sector as proof of his readiness to lead the country.

“Let me make this very clear: to serve this country at the highest level, I am qualified; I’m even overqualified,” the governor stated.

He pointed to his tenure as governor, drawing a comparison with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political journey, noting that both leaders served two terms as state governors.

Makinde said that by May 2027, he would have completed his second term as Oyo State governor, stressing that his record in office places him in a strong position for higher national responsibility.

The governor also highlighted his professional background, explaining that he ran a company at a young age and worked with multinational oil companies, including Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron.

Despite affirming his qualifications, Makinde said it was still too early to make a definitive declaration about contesting the 2027 presidential election.

He further emphasised the need for a strong opposition in Nigeria’s democracy and criticised the wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress, questioning whether such moves have addressed hunger and hardship in the country.