Akin Alabi, representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, made the claim during an interview on Flair 103.3FM in Ibadan. According to Alabi, Makinde's presidential campaign is primarily aimed at boosting the political prospects of his preferred candidate for the Oyo State governorship election, Bimbo Adekanmbi. Alabi argued that Adekanmbi would struggle to win without Makinde remaining prominent in the 2027 political contest.
Alabi stated that Makinde's plan is to be in the conversation because he knows Adekanmbi can't contest alone. He also argued that Adekanmbi would face a difficult contest against the All Progressives Congress candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, without Makinde's presidential bid providing a wider political platform for the APM campaign. Makinde has publicly declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, announcing his bid on May 14, 2026.
At a joint Peoples Democratic Party and Allied Peoples Movement mega rally at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Makinde said he would contest under the PDP/APM alliance. This arrangement aims to provide opposition candidates across different levels of government for the 2027 elections. He later secured the APM presidential ticket and has continued campaigning ahead of the election. In August, Makinde selected former Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura, as his running mate.
Makinde replaced Ibrahim Bala, who had earlier been announced as a placeholder. Makinde has also endorsed Adekanmbi, a former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, as the APM governorship candidate. Adekanmbi's candidacy has become a major part of the political contest in Oyo, with Makinde campaigning for his preferred successor and expressing confidence that he can defeat the APC candidate, Sharafadeen Alli.
The Oyo State governorship election is expected to be a closely contested race. Alabi's claims have sparked debate about Makinde's genuine interest in the presidential contest. Despite this, Makinde has continued to campaign and consolidate support for his presidential bid. His efforts have been focused on building a strong coalition to challenge other candidates in the 2027 election.
As the 2027 elections approach, the political landscape in Nigeria is becoming increasingly complex. Various candidates and parties are jockeying for position, and alliances are being formed. Makinde's decision to contest the presidential election has significant implications for the Oyo State governorship election and the broader national political scene.
The development has also raised questions about the future of Nigerian politics and the strategies employed by politicians to achieve their goals. Key players in the 2027 elections will be closely watched as they navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries.
Key points
- Akin Alabi claims Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has no genuine intention to become Nigeria's president in 2027.
- Makinde has publicly declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the PDP/APM alliance.
- The Oyo State governorship election is expected to be a closely contested race between Adekanmbi and Sharafadeen Alli.
