The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has renewed its criticism of Governor Seyi Makinde’s reported interest in the 2027 presidency, describing the ambition as a political distraction designed to entertain the public.
The party also alleged that public resources were being used to advance the governor’s political ambitions and vowed that those responsible would be made to account for any state funds allegedly spent on the project.
The Oyo APC made its position known in a statement issued at the weekend by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, and made available to journalists in Ibadan.
2027 Presidency: APC Reacts to Makinde’s Post-Tenure Comment
The latest reaction from the Oyo APC followed comments by Governor Makinde on Saturday concerning his plans after leaving office in May 2027.
Makinde, who was installed as the Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland by the Eleruwa of Eruwa, reportedly said he would be available to receive more chieftaincy titles after completing his tenure because he would have more free time.
During the event, the governor spoke at length but did not publicly announce a specific political project for the period after his tenure.
The development has nevertheless continued to fuel speculation about Makinde’s political plans ahead of the 2027 presidency.
2027 Presidency: Oyo APC Warns Makinde Against Threats
The Oyo APC also cautioned Governor Makinde against allegedly threatening citizens, including traditional rulers and religious leaders, over their interactions with APC politicians and supporters.
The party said the governor should not object to traditional rulers receiving APC candidates and members in their palaces or religious leaders interacting with political supporters.
According to Sadare, the governor lacks the political strength and resources to compete effectively with President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidency race.
The APC spokesman described Makinde’s reported presidential ambition as an attempt to create political noise and distract attention.
2027 Presidency: APC Questions Makinde’s Presidential Ambition
The Oyo APC further claimed that Makinde does not possess the experience, personal qualities or political strategy required to become Nigeria’s president in 2027.
The party alleged that the governor has been presenting himself as a presidential hopeful under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), which it described as lacking a strong political structure.
The APC also claimed that Makinde could put up campaign posters and billboards in parts of Oyo and Bauchi states but predicted that he would perform poorly if he eventually appears on the ballot.
The claims, however, represent the position of the Oyo State APC and were not independently established in the party’s statement.
APC Backs Tinubu for Second Term
The Oyo APC maintained that President Bola Tinubu remains its preferred candidate for the 2027 presidency and argued that many Nigerians and prominent leaders support his bid for re-election.
The party further suggested that political attention could shift toward the northern part of the country when the issue of Tinubu’s successor arises after the 2027 election.
Sadare said Makinde was being monitored as he pursued what the APC described as an unsuccessful political journey.
Oyo APC Vows to Recover Alleged Wasted Funds
The party’s strongest warning was its pledge to ensure that public funds allegedly spent on Makinde’s presidential ambition are recovered.
The Oyo APC said those behind the alleged expenditure would be required to account for every naira of state resources allegedly used for the political project.
The party maintained that the use of public resources for political activities would not be allowed to go unchecked and vowed to pursue accountability “at the appropriate time.”
The statement adds another layer to the growing political contest and rhetoric surrounding the 2027 presidency as political parties and potential candidates position themselves ahead of the election.
