Oyo APC says Makinde cannot challenge Tinubu in 2027

Oyo State’s chapter of Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress has dismissed Governor Seyi Makinde’s reported presidential ambition as political theater, saying he cannot seriously challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

In a statement issued in Ibadan on Sunday, APC Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare accused Makinde of using the ambition to make noise and distract Nigerians. The party also alleged that public funds were being wasted on the pursuit and warned that those responsible would eventually have to refund the money.

The statement followed remarks Makinde made on Saturday after the Eleruwa of Eruwa installed him as the Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland during the monarch’s first coronation anniversary. Makinde said he would be free to receive chieftaincy titles after completing his tenure in May 2027 because he would have nothing serious to do at that point. He also warned traditional rulers and institutions against partisan conduct in the election.

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Governor Makinde does not possess the wherewithal to slug it out with President Bola Tinubu in 2027, but he is only out to make some noise and distract the global community.

The APC cautioned Makinde against threatening citizens, including traditional rulers and religious leaders, simply because they receive APC candidates and supporters in palaces or places of worship. It said Makinde lacked the personal qualities, experience and strategy to become president, and claimed that even if he reached the ballot, he would finish a distant eighth.

The party also referred to Makinde as presenting himself as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement and said he could afford to put up campaign posters and billboards in parts of Oyo and Bauchi states. It said many Nigerians believed Tinubu was the best option for the country and suggested that attention would shift to a northern successor after Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.

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Unfortunately, he cannot achieve his aim of emerging as the Political Comedian of the Year without wasting the resources of the Pacesetter State, and this would not augur well for the good people of the state.