Makinde Defends 2027 Presidential Bid, Says South-West Can Field Multiple Candidate

Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has defended his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election, arguing that the South-West can produce multiple candidates without undermining the region’s interests.

Makinde spoke on Thursday at the party’s South-West town hall meeting in Akure, Ondo State, where he cited the 1999 presidential election as an example of the region presenting more than one contender.

Makinde Cites 1999 Election

The governor recalled that the South-West produced Olusegun Obasanjo and Olu Falae as presidential candidates in 1999, insisting that having two contenders did not harm the region.

He questioned why his own ambition should attract criticism simply because another candidate from the South-West already occupies the presidency.

Makinde also urged voters to reject what he described as the politics of deceit, saying he would rather campaign on his record in Oyo State than focus solely on attacking opponents.

Questions Federal Government Spending

Makinde criticised the Federal Government over the reported presentation of the United Nations budget to the President in Nigeria by the country’s permanent representatives to the UN.

He questioned the cost of travelling from New York to Abuja for the presentation and raised concerns about the implementation of government budgets, asking which fiscal year's budget was being implemented.

Makinde Makes Energy a Campaign Issue

The governor said he would focus on energy and stamina rather than age during the presidential campaign, arguing that leadership requires the capacity to cope with the demands of governing the country.

He also challenged rival presidential candidates to demonstrate their physical stamina during the campaign, using the remark to underline his emphasis on energy and endurance.

Punch Newspapers