The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State has predicted a major electoral loss for the Peoples Democratic Party if Governor Seyi Makinde emerges as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The APC made this statement in reaction to Makinde’s comments on Tuesday, where he declared his capacity to run for the presidency in 2027.
While speaking on a Channels Television programme, Makinde highlighted his accomplishments as Oyo State governor and asserted that he possessed the qualities needed to lead the country.
“I don’t have any doubt that I have the capacity to occupy the highest office in this land, and I have what it takes,” Makinde said.
“But is it what I want to do right now? Is it what Nigerians are asking for? Is it what my party will say we should do? I don’t know. We still have a long time to go.”
Despite downplaying immediate ambitions, the governor’s remarks drew swift criticism from the Oyo APC, which dismissed his potential candidacy as disastrous for the PDP.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the Publicity Secretary of the Oyo APC, Mr Olawale Shadare, said it was unthinkable that the PDP, which was the party in power for 16 years, had become a tool in the hands of people of all sorts.
According to Shadare, the PDP would be preparing itself for defeat and final burial if the party hands Makinde its 2027 presidential ticket.
“We encourage him (Makinde) to go all out and secure the presidential ticket of the PDP for the next general election,” Shadare said.
“It is a pity that the same PDP, which ruled our dear country for 16 years has now become a tool of comedy in the hands of some kinds of people.
“We do not wish the PDP dead, but if they choose to bury the umbrella party by putting its destiny in the hands of people like Governor Seyi Makinde, good luck to them,” he said.
When contacted by GoalPoacher News reporter, the Oyo State acting Publicity Secretary, Hon Michael Ogunsina for his reaction to the statement issued by opposition in the state, he said, “I haven’t seen the news yet.”
