Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has asserted that he is both qualified and mature enough to express his views on any issue directly.
His comments come in response to speculation that he might challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Makinde emphasized that discussions about his political future were unsolicited.
He cautioned Nigerians about the risks of allowing the country to devolve into a one-party state.
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Speaking to reporters at Fashola Farm in Oyo, he clarified that if he had anything to announce regarding his political future, he would do so openly.
He said, “ We didn’t do this (Host PDP reporters’ retreat) because somebody has a presidential ambition. No comment, nothing. But all I can say to you is, I’m old enough if I want to do something, I will come out and say, this is what I want to do.
“So, no speculation, nobody can push my agenda. I will push my agenda when the time comes.”
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Makinde reflected on how, with the backing of the people of Oyo State, he overcame significant challenges, including two unsuccessful Senate attempts, before ultimately being elected as Governor.
The Governor said, “Oyo State people took a decision in 2019. We did not have a godfather. Nobody sponsored me, nobody gave me a dime for us to get in here but the people of Oyo State decided, we wanted to give this opportunity to an outsider.
“And before that, you will see videos saying that Oh, Seyi, what has he done before? Has he been a councillor? No. Has he been to the House of Representatives? No. What about the Senate? I tried twice but was rejected.
“So, experience in politics – No experience in governance but I’ve done well for myself in business and they said we’ll give you the opportunity and before that time, the whole of the South West was APC, all six states.
“But in Oyo State, we chose to be different. Because I had no experience, I wanted to convince the people.
“We produced a document, Road Map to accelerated development of Oyo State, 2019-2023 and I said to the people, this is it in black and white, hold me accountable and they gave us the opportunity. Thank God it is being done. “
The governor also warned Nigerians about the dangers of allowing the country to drift into a one-party state.
He said, “Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state so that others will have the opportunity to showcase their talents.”
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