The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of using his presidential ambition as a ploy to evade alleged corruption cases and abuse of office. The party made the allegation in a statement issued on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The APC's Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, stated that Makinde's presidential project lacked a clear strategy and seriousness. The party questioned the capacity of the Allied Peoples' Movement (APM) to provide a viable platform for a presidential contest.
The APC also faulted the reported declaration of Monday, September 21, as a public holiday in Oyo State. The party alleged that the decision was intended to promote a musical concert organised in Ibadan. The APC described the development as an alleged abuse of office and accused the governor of deploying state resources to political activities. This move has generated controversy and raised questions about the governor's priorities.
Makinde's reported presidential ambition has generated questions among political observers, particularly regarding his choice of the APM as the platform for the 2027 election. The APC alleged that Makinde's presidential project was not taken seriously and that he was only trying to hoodwink Nigerians. The party claimed that Makinde wanted to distract anti-graft agencies, which are investigating him for alleged infractions committed since his assumption of office in 2019.
The APC listed several allegations against Makinde, including false asset declaration, diversion of local government funds, and money laundering. The party also accused Makinde of land grabbing, sponsorship of violence, and illegal sale of government properties. Furthermore, the APC alleged that Makinde had taken over the APM's presidential ticket and criticised his movement from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APM.
The APC questioned how Makinde could contest and win a presidential election under the APM, citing the party's limited national spread. The party cited the APM's performance in recent by-elections as evidence of its limited reach. Makinde is serving his second and final term as governor of Oyo State. His presidential ambition has sparked controversy and raised questions about his ability to win a national election.
The APC spokesman, Olawale Sadare, stated that security agencies were already monitoring the situation and that Makinde would be required to answer questions over alleged infractions. The party claimed that Makinde wanted to secure an escape route from the country anytime from January 1, 2027. The allegations against Makinde have not been independently established.
The development has sparked a fresh controversy in Oyo State, with many Nigerians questioning Makinde's presidential ambition. The governor's move to the APM has raised questions about his ability to win a national election. The APC has vowed to continue to hold Makinde accountable for his actions as governor of Oyo State.
Key points
- APC accuses Governor Makinde of using presidential ambition to evade alleged corruption cases.
- Makinde's presidential project lacks a clear strategy and seriousness, says APC.
- APC questions APM's capacity to provide a viable platform for a presidential contest.
