Mr Viral
…Says infrastructure, security enablers for economy
…Warns PDP members against coalition talks without party consultation
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed growing speculation about his possible presidential run in 2027, stating that he is fully committed to fulfilling his mandate to the people of Oyo State.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Makinde reaffirmed his dedication to delivering impactful governance, stressing that his primary focus is on the development of the state rather than political ambition.
While acknowledging the calls for him to contest the presidency, Makinde said he is not driven by political aspirations but by the need to improve the lives of the people in Oyo State. He added that he will not allow external pressures to dictate his agenda, maintaining that his focus remains on building the necessary infrastructure and implementing policies that directly benefit his constituents.
Makinde noted that although he possesses the capability to aim for the highest office in the land, he would consider the desires of the Nigerian people, his political party, and the overall best interests of the nation before making any decision. He further stated that if his political journey were to end with his role as governor of Oyo State, he would be content, cherishing the opportunity to serve the people.
The governor took pride in his administration’s achievements, particularly in the areas of road infrastructure and security, which have been pivotal in the state’s agribusiness growth and economic development. He pointed to recent developments, such as his trip to France to finalise a deal for a Food Wholesale Market in Ijaiye and the creation of Special Agro-Processing Zones in Eruwa and Ijaiye, as key successes of his agribusiness policy.
Makinde explained that his administration’s focus is on building infrastructure that supports agribusiness, reducing the state’s reliance on federal handouts. He said, “Our approach is that what we need to take on the world is almost what we need for import substitution. We are building infrastructure that will allow us to have foreign exchange in agriculture and agribusiness.”
He went on to detail how his infrastructure projects are connecting key agricultural hubs, such as Ibadan, Oke Ogun, and Ogbomoso, to ensure the flow of agricultural products and reduce rural-urban migration. He recounted a conversation with the President of Sierra Leone, who cited infrastructure as the key to feeding a large population, a principle Makinde is applying in Oyo State.
Addressing the recent meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) in Ibadan, Makinde emphasised the importance of consulting party members before entering into any coalitions. He criticised those rushing to form coalitions without clear agendas or the involvement of key party members, urging careful consideration of the implications for the nation’s future.
When asked about his successor in 2027, Makinde reassured Oyo State residents that he had prepared his team well and would not leave the state in uncertainty. He spoke of his administration’s long-term planning, referring to the “Roadmap for Accelerated Development” (2019–2023) and the current “Roadmap for Sustainable Development” (2023–2027), and vowed to leave a “Roadmap for Continued Development” for his successor.
Makinde also commented on the issue of zoning, acknowledging that politics is about numbers and that the debate would continue. He suggested that the governorship could eventually move out of Ibadan when a governor from another part of the state earns the trust of the people through excellent performance.
