2027: Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde Speaks against One Party System in Nigeria amid APC's Reign

• One of Nigeria’s most influential governors, Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, warned against the likelihood of the country slipping into a one-party state
• The vice chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) said the project of protecting democracy in the country was not about just one man or political party
• Makinde urged Nigerians to allow the opposition to govern Nigeria so that they can "showcase what is possible”

Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering elections and global issues.

Ibadan, Oyo state - Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, has warned against the likelihood of Nigeria slipping into a one-party state.

Speaking recently to journalists at the Fashola Agribusiness Hub in Oyo, Makinde stressed that his performance in office was not motivated by personal ambition.

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Legit.ng reports that Nigeria is currently under the leadership of an All Progressives Congress (APC) government. The party came to power in 2015 and has maintained its grip on power amid discontent from the majority of the Nigerian masses.

Makinde said:

“Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state. It is what I want you to take out from here. Reflect on it.

"Oyo people took a decision. In 2019, we did not have a godfather. Nobody sponsored me. Nobody gave a dime for us to get in there. But the people of Oyo state decided that they wanted to give this opportunity to an outsider.

“Before that time, you would hear people say, ‘Seyi, what has he done before? Has he been a councillor? No. Has he been to the state house of assembly? No. Has he been to House of Reps? No. How about Senate?’ I tried twice. I was rejected."

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Makinde continued:

“No experience in politics. No experience in governance, but I have done well for myself in business. And before that time, the entire southwest was APC. All the six states, but Oyo state said, no, we dare to be different.

“Let’s not slide into a one-party state, so that we can give others the opportunity, so you can showcase what is possible in Nigeria.”

'Makinde won’t enter 2027 race secretly' - Analyst

Dr. Adigun Muse, a former head of the political science department at the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), expressed his belief that Makinde would not join the 2027 presidential race through the back door.

Muse explained that it is evident that the Oyo governor has not taken steps anyone genuinely interested in the presidency would take.

He told Legit.ng:

"I think it is still a rumour. For me, I don't see Makinde as a coward. So, I'd be surprised to see him enter the 2027 presidential race through the backdoor."

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'Nobody can push agenda for me' — Makinde

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Makinde made it clear that he was capable of speaking for himself without hesitation.

The Oyo governor was responding to rumours about his potential presidential ambitions in 2027 against President Bola Tinubu's second-term ambitions, which he deemed unsolicited.

In his periodic newsletter, Makinde, a second-term governor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasised that if he has something to say about his future, he will do so publicly and will not let anyone dictate his agenda.

Proofread by Kola Muhammed, journalist and copyeditor at Legit.ng

Source: Legit.ng