Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has clarified that he alone will decide the course of his political future. He made his mind known while responding to speculations about a possible presidential bid in 2027.
Addressing recent claims that the ruling party is interfering with other political groups to stifle opposition, Makinde disagreed with such accusations, urging opposition leaders to focus on internal unity and collaboration to strengthen Nigeria.
He added that the 2027 election would be a contest between the ruling party and the Nigerian people.
Makinde made these remarks during the inauguration of the newly constructed Olusoji Adagunodo Southwest Zonal Secretariat. The event was attended by PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), members of the party’s National Working Committee, and other regional leaders.
The Oyo State Governor said that
What they normally say is, it is not how long, but how well. My dear brother, the late Soji Adagunodo, was with us for a very short period, but he made a very significant impact on the politics of the Southwest of Nigeria. My brother, Governor Adeleke, I want to appreciate you today for being here.
“We had our issues; we were fighting ourselves, especially for the control of Zonal Excos. My dear brother, Governor Adeleke, thank you for being part of this; it shows your magnanimity. That means whatever has happened in the past is behind us.
“Dr. Eddy Olafeso is here. We fought. That is the spirit of PDP. Let me also specially recognise my brother, the next Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Agboola Ajayi.
This time, two weeks from today, Ondo State people will be in the process of electing him as their next governor. This is 2 pm. Two hours after this time, the results will have started coming out, validating him as the next governor of Ondo State.
“Those of you thinking that the only way to achieve your dream is for division to be in the PDP, well, the Southwest of Nigeria is leading the way. My brother, Adebutu, your own time will also come. I said it before that when we look at Nigeria, if the Southwest is united, Nigeria will unite.
“The two PDP governors who are in the Southwest are here together. All our leaders are here. Also from outside of the Southwest, they are also here.
Governor Ikpeazu from the Southeast, thank you for identifying with us. Governor Ortom from the north central is here. Thank you for identifying with us.
“I only have one message, just one thing to say. Yes, we have done this to keep the memory of our brother, Honourable Soji Adagunodo. I want the truth for your state. I just want to make him a legacy. Your wish has been granted today.
“I just want to make an announcement. Also, Soji Adagunodo Jr., you will get your letter as Special Advisor to me on regional integration. I also want to thank Governor Adeleke for loaning him to me.
He added that ,“People have been complaining, they have been talking, they have been doing a lot of permutation. Let me say this again. I will say it by myself. Nobody will set an agenda for me apart from myself.
“They have also been talking—the ruling party, all the parties. Let me say this: If you are accusing the ruling party that they are the ones putting their hands into all other parties to ensure that they don’t get their hearts together so that there will be no opposition in 2027, my own position is that there are certain things that you have under your own control.
“Whether I and Governor Adeleke will cooperate for the growth and benefit of our party in the Southwest states, it is beyond the ruling party. It is between me and Governor Adeleke. So please, let us all work together; unite our base; that is all that we need to do.
“The next election will be APC versus Nigerians. It is not even about APC versus PDP. So let us do our own bit to unite our party, unite our base, and let the people of Nigeria, let them speak.”
The secretariat, funded personally by Governor Makinde, is dedicated to the late Olusoji Adagunodo, a former Southwest PDP chairman.
Following Adagunodo’s passing, Makinde had pledged to construct a memorial in his honor.
During the event, he also announced the appointment of Adagunodo’s son as his Special Adviser on Regional Integration.