The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State has dismissed Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition, declaring that he lacks the political capacity to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
The party described Makinde’s ambition as a political drama allegedly designed to distract Nigerians, while accusing those behind it of wasting public resources.
The Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, made the remarks in a statement issued in Ibadan on Sunday.
Party questions use of state resources
Mr Sadare alleged that public funds were being deployed to support Makinde’s presidential pursuit and warned that those responsible would be made to refund the money.
He said, “It is important for us to reiterate that Governor Makinde does not possess the wherewithal to slug it out with President Bola Tinubu in 2027, but he (Makinde) is only out to make some noise and distract the global community.”
The APC spokesperson further claimed that Makinde lacked the “personal quality, experience and strategy” required to become president, describing the Allied Peoples Movement, under which the governor is seeking the presidency, as “structureless.”
APC predicts distant finish
The party also dismissed Makinde’s chances of making a strong showing if he eventually appears on the presidential ballot.
Mr Sadare said Makinde could put up campaign posters and billboards in parts of Oyo and Bauchi States but claimed that “the best he can get, even if he gets himself on the ballot, is to come in a distant 8th position.”
The APC also expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s prospects for re-election, saying many Nigerians and prominent figures recognise him as the preferred candidate.
Makinde’s recent comments
The APC’s statement followed comments by Governor Makinde on Saturday after he was installed as the Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland by the Eleruwa of Eruwa during the monarch’s first coronation anniversary.
Makinde said he would be available to receive more chieftaincy titles after leaving office in May 2027 because he would then have more time on his hands.
The governor has also urged traditional rulers to remain above partisan politics ahead of the 2027 election, warning them against becoming involved in political matters.
Tinubu-Makinde 2027 Contest
Governor Makinde formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the Allied Peoples Movement in May, saying Nigeria needed a reset and accusing government officials of failing to adequately address the challenges facing citizens.
The APM has previously expressed confidence that Makinde can defeat President Tinubu, while the APC has repeatedly rejected that assessment.
APC warns over alleged spending
The Oyo APC said it was monitoring Makinde’s political activities and maintained that the governor’s presidential project would not succeed.
Mr Sadare said, “Makinde is being monitored as he embarks on a political journey that has failed before its commencement, and he will be made to cough out all the public funds wasted on it.”
The latest exchange adds to the growing political contest ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Makinde positioned among opposition figures seeking to challenge the APC and President Tinubu.
The dispute reflects the intensifying political realignment ahead of 2027, as parties and politicians position themselves for the presidential contest. For voters, the growing exchange also places greater emphasis on what candidates offer beyond political attacks, including their records, policies and plans for addressing the country’s economic and social challenges.
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