The presidential qualities of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have been questioned by his former Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Comrade Titilola Sodo, who cited alleged shortcomings in the governor’s delegation of responsibilities.
Sodo, who is the governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), made the remarks during a radio interview when asked whether he would vote for Makinde if the governor contested the 2027 presidential election.
Although he acknowledged Makinde’s achievements as governor of Oyo State, Sodo said his experience working with him had raised concerns about his suitability for the presidency.
“I will not. So many reasons, but I will not. He has been very successful as a governor. But I have the privilege of having worked with him, so I don’t think he would make a successful president,” Sodo said.
The former aide also questioned whether Makinde could replicate his achievements in Oyo State at the federal level, arguing that governing Nigeria requires a different approach because of the country’s size and the broader responsibilities of the presidency.
Sodo Cites Delegation as Major Concern About Makinde
Explaining his reservations about Makinde’s presidential prospects, Sodo alleged that the governor does not delegate responsibilities effectively.
“Our guy does not know how to delegate. And if you want to be President of Nigeria, you must be ready to accommodate everybody from wherever and delegate duties to them,” he said.
According to Sodo, effective leadership at the federal level requires a president to work with people from different backgrounds, regions and political affiliations while assigning responsibilities appropriately.
He suggested that the ability to build an inclusive team and entrust officials with important duties would be essential for anyone seeking to govern Nigeria.
Sodo maintained that his assessment was informed by his personal experience working with Makinde, while acknowledging the governor’s performance in Oyo State.
Former Aide Questions Seyi Makinde’s Presidential Qualities to Lead Nigeria
Comrade Titilola Sodo also highlighted the differences between governing a state and leading the country, pointing to the broader responsibilities associated with the presidency.
During the interview, the discussion touched on primary and secondary education, the respective responsibilities of federal and state governments, and the payment of workers in Oyo State.
The comments formed part of Sodo’s argument that achievements at the state level do not automatically establish a politician’s suitability for national leadership.
However, his remarks represent his personal assessment of Makinde’s leadership style and presidential prospects.
Makinde’s 2027 Presidential Ambitions
Governor Seyi Makinde has been mentioned in political discussions concerning possible contenders for Nigeria’s presidency ahead of the 2027 general election. However, any assessment of his presidential prospects should be distinguished from a confirmed declaration of candidacy.
Sodo’s comments add to the debate over the leadership qualities, administrative experience and team-building abilities required of anyone aspiring to lead Africa’s most populous country.
While acknowledging Makinde’s record as governor, the former aide maintained that the demands of the presidency require a broader approach to leadership, particularly in the delegation of responsibilities and the management of a diverse team.
