 must first be revitalized to provide a viable platform for such ambition.){kind=link}
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said he possesses the ability to lead Nigeria as president, but emphasized that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must first be revitalized to provide a viable platform for such ambition.
Makinde made the statement during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television on Tuesday.
Currently serving his second term as governor under the PDP, Makinde stressed that the 2027 presidential race would not merely be a contest between political parties, but a broader struggle between the Nigerian people and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I believe I have what it takes to lead this country,” he said. “I don’t doubt my capacity to occupy the highest office in the land. But the real question is—are Nigerians asking for it? Is this the direction my party will want to go? It’s still too early to tell.”
He pointed out that before any serious political aspiration can take shape, the PDP must be stabilized and restructured.
“At the moment, what we need to focus on is rebuilding our party. You need a strong platform before you can think about contesting for any position,” Makinde added.
Reflecting on his political journey, the governor said he had already surpassed his initial goals in politics.
“When I joined politics in 2007, my aim was to become a senator,” he recalled. “But I’ve gone beyond that by becoming the governor of my state. I’m grateful for the chance the people gave me to serve and make a positive impact. Even if my political career ends here, I would still be fulfilled.”